A body of the Alumni of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife under the auspices of the Great Ife Alumni Association (GIAA), has reacted to the ongoing tussle over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor of the institution, calling for the parties involved to work out a peaceful resolution.
In a statement on Wednesday, titled "OAU VC Selection: OAU Alumni Association Sues For Peace", signed by its Global Publicity Secretary, Akeem Amodu, the association called for calm from all parties.
The body, in the statement, appealed to traditional and political leadership of the host community to engage all critical stakeholders towards an amicable resolution of the matter while also calling on the authorities of the institution to keep the doors of dialogue open for normalcy to be restored.
It further noted that there is need to sustain the harmonious relationship which has existed over the last sixty years between the university and the host community of Ile-Ife, calling on staff and students to remain calm.
The statement reads, "The attention of the Global Executive Council, Great Ife Alumni Association (GIAA) has been drawn to the ongoing protest regarding the recent appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor as announced by the Governing Council, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
"While appreciating the voice of all parties and stakeholders as far as the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor is concerned, the Alumni body calls for calm from all quarters.
"In this respect, appeal is strongly made to both the traditional and political leadership of Ile-Ife - the host community - to sue for peace and engage all critical stakeholders towards an enlightened and amicable understanding.
"The Association also appeals to the Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife to keep the doors of dialogue open towards restoring normalcy.
"As stakeholders who appreciate the relationship and town-gown synergy that have existed between Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Ife Community over the past sixty years, it is the considered opinion of Great Ife Alumni Association that the issue at stake is better resolved through informed dialogue.
"It is instructive to note that students are on campus and all efforts should be made not to escalate this protest in order to prevent breakdown of law and order.
"The Association calls on staff and students to remain calm and be law abiding.
"Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, remains an institution of International repute and Ile -Ife remains the cradle of Yoruba race. Both must preserve the age-long reputation and integrity of Obafemi Awololwo University and Ile-Ife."
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