Daud Olatunji
The grand burial arrangements announced by the Ogun State government to honor the late Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson, have ignited emotions and protests among the academic community.
Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson, who passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, was a revered figure, having previously served as the Council Chairman of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY).
The government’s swift initiative to organize a state burial for her has raised concerns, especially from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), MAPOLY.
While the ASUP acknowledges the late Iyalode Alaba Lawson’s legacy and the need to celebrate her life, they point out the stark neglect of the institution she once chaired and the dire conditions faced by its students and staff. The ASUP has voiced its disappointment with the government’s priorities.
Tomosin Adegunle, Chairman of the ASUP, emphasized that Chief Lawson’s demise occurred only a few days ago, yet the government rushed to plan a state burial. However, the treatment of her final rites sharply contrasts with the prolonged suffering of MAPOLY.
Adegunle lamented that the polytechnic has been languishing in a state of neglect for years, and for the past four weeks, its doors have remained closed.
He added students, who represent the future of the nation, have been deprived of education, while dedicated staff members endure four months of unpaid salaries, which has tragically led to the loss of lives among the staff.
The ASUP boss further pointed out that despite these glaring issues plaguing MAPOLY, the government has not shown any urgency in addressing its restoration. Adegunle said, “For nearly a month, the institution has been left unattended, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to the well-being of the youth and the future of the state.”
In the words of the ASUP Chairman, MAPOLY Chapter, “Yes, Iyalode Alaba Lawson deserves a befitting grand burial and should be celebrated, but it is a misplaced priority when the living and the future of the State (students and youths) are left unattended to.”
The concerned community is demanding that the matter of MAPOLY be given accelerated consideration as a tribute to the late Iyalode Alaba Lawson, who had previously chaired its Governing Council.
It is time to shift the focus from grand funerals to addressing the urgent needs of the living and ensuring that the youth, as the future of the nation, receive the education and support they require.
The statement ;
*THE EXIT OF AN ICON*
A ku ilede Iyalode Alaba Lawson.
Even the death of mama is teaching us some lesson of how to be more concerned for the living and the youth being the future of the nation.
It is rather very responsive that Mama died yesterday and the government had already set up State burial arrangement before the end of same day.
Whereas, the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic where Mama was the Council Chairman had been in comatose for years and closed down for the past four weeks now, its students had been out of school, the workers’ salaries had been unpaid for almost 4 months and members are dying due to lack of means to cater for their health.
Yet, the same government had not find it necessary to do anything whatsoever for restoration of the Polytechnic for almost one month now.
Yes, Iyalode Alaba Lawson deserves a befitting grand burial and should be celebrated, but it is a misplaced priority where the living and the future of the State (students and youths) are left unattended to.
We demand that attending to MAPOLY matter should now be given an accelerated consideration, at least in honour of our Iyalode Alaba Lawson being a past Chairman Governing Council of that institution.
May the soul of Iyalode Alaba Lawson rest in perfect peace 🙏🙏🙏
ASUP Cairman, MAPOLY Chapter,Tomisin Adegunle
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