Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has denigrated the late educationist and public advocate, Tai Solarin according to Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
Falana spoke on Sunday few days after the governor renamed Tai Solarin College of Education, Sikiru Adetona College of Education Science and Technology, SACOETECH.
Adetona is the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The governor’s decision to change the institution name has not been well received by many Nigerians who consider it an attack on the memory of the late Solarin who during his lifetime was an advocate of the poor and great lover and promote of education.
Falana has now added his voice to the public outraged that greeted Governor Abiodun’s action.
According to the rights activist, the governor should have named another state monument after the monarch, instead of wiping off the memory of Solarin.
The gobernor had on November 24, unveiled the renamed institution as Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC), saying he had the approval of the state house of assembly.
Falama however said the governor’s action was distatefu considering the late Solarin’s immense contribution to education in the country.
According to him, “It is indisputable that the late Dr. Tai Solarin, the founder of the Mayflower School, Ikenne, contributed immensely to the educational development of Nigeria.
“In appreciation of the contribution of the late educationist, the Ogun State government rightly named a tertiary institution after him, the Tai-Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC).
“Surprisingly, the Dapo Abiodun administration has announced its decision to rename the College of Education after a highly respected monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode.
“The decision ought to be jettisoned as the governor has not adduced any reason for denigrating the indelible record of the late foremost educationist.
“However, in view of the contribution of the Awujale to the cultural development of Ogun State and his consistent defence of justice and fair play in the country, the Ogun state government is advised to name an important institution after the monarch.
“The governor does not have to assault the memory of the great Solarin in order to honour the eminent Awujale.
“Besides, the governor should be wary of the historical implications of such a seemingly insensitive decision.
“For the immense contributions that Solarin made to enhance our collective humanity, his memory cannot be honoured enough. Indeed, any country should be proud of the legacies of Tai Solarin and be interested in immortalising him.”
The late Solarin and his wife, were until their death great supporters of education in the country. The couple set up Mayflower Schools where many Nigerians of diverse backgrounds were educated. Not a few consider the governor’s action as one of the many blunders of his administration.
