Faculty Of Arts Hosts Executive Governor Of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu

By Alabi Aderonke and Titus Isreal


The executive governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) graced the Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife on Thursday, 6th July, 2017. The governor was hosted by the Faculty of Arts in her annual Distinguished Guest Lecture which was themed "BEYOND RECESSION: RE-INVENTING THE NIGERIAN FEDERATION".

Akeredolu, in delivering his address, stated that although he supported the idea of restructuring, the only way to solve the Nigeria's problems was to ensure that a serious integration programme was established. He reiterated that the proliferation of ethnic based groups​ is the main cause of the distinction which had found its way into political parties. He further said that it was brash to respond to those who want to break away, that the unity of Nigeria was not negotiable.


He also urged students not to hold ethnic affinity rather they should live in unity to help the country's situation. However, the governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, duly represented by permanent secretary on education, Mr Festus Olajide, said in solving Nigeria problems, we needed to practice true federalism, fiscal federalism and restructuring our economy because doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results is the highest height of insanity. Nevertheless, it must be done without shedding blood and the educational system should be functional in order to solve part of our problems.

While giving his address at the lecture, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University confirmed his administration's willingness to work. He said he already had a contract of 8 megawatts gas turbine on electricity which will let OAU community be having 24 hours uninterrupted power supply that will be complete in a year time. He also said the agric farm will be heavily visited with development.

Some of the notable guests at the event include, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II, the Orangun of Oke- Ila Oba Dokun Abolarin an alumnus of OAU at the faculty of Law, the Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Professor E. Ogunbodede; the Dean of the faculty of arts and facilitator of the programme​, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti; Chairman, Committee of Deans and Dean of the faculty of Agriculture, Professor Adeagbo Amusan; Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Popoola; several heads of department in the Faculty of Arts; the Vice-Chancellor Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun; Former chief of staff in Ondo state, Femi Agagu; former vice Chancellor Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Femi Mimiko, former vice dean, Dr Mike Olatunji and a lot of other dignitaries.