Tension is mounting at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, as a group of concerned stakeholders has called for an immediate investigation into the actual age and retirement status of the institution’s Rector, Dr. Simon Olorunwa Adegun.
The call follows what the group described as “discrepancies” surrounding the Rector’s denial of reports linking him to a planned 65th birthday and retirement send-off scheduled for April 21, 2026.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to relevant authorities and the public, the stakeholders insisted that “truth is not a matter of convenience; it is a matter of record,” arguing that the issue goes beyond mere speculation and demands urgent verification.
They urged the Rector to publicly present his Primary School Leaving Certificate, describing it as “the foundation of every career record.” According to the group, “this document predates any later administrative adjustments or sworn affidavits,” adding that without it, “current claims lack a credible base.”
The stakeholders also called on the Ondo State Government to summon the institution’s Acting Registrar, Mr. Oloye O.M., to produce the Rector’s personal file for scrutiny. “In the world of administration, the ‘open and secret’ files do not lie. These records contain the entry age declared at the point of first appointment—a record that should remain immutable throughout a career,” the statement noted.
Beyond documentation, the group raised concerns about leadership credibility, stressing that inconsistencies in such a fundamental matter could erode trust within the academic community. Citing leadership expert John C. Maxwell, the statement read: “Relational leadership is built on a foundation of trust. If a leader’s age remains a moving target, the moral authority to lead is compromised.”
Invoking moral and cultural values, the stakeholders further argued that honesty and accountability must guide public office holders. Quoting scripture, they stated: “Lying lips are an abomination but those who act faithfully are his delight,” warning that attempts to obscure one’s true age for personal gain contradict both spiritual and ethical standards.
They also drew from Yoruba cultural wisdom, emphasizing that respect for elders is rooted in authenticity. “If an elder manipulates his own age, he loses the cultural right to correct the younger generation. Legacy is more important than longevity in office,” the group declared.
The stakeholders maintained that the concerns raised by labour unions within the institution are not personal attacks but are based on “institutional data.
” They argued that the only way to resolve the growing controversy is through “radical transparency,” noting that “refusing to address specific data points only reinforces suspicion.”
Calling for decisive government action, the group concluded that the matter can be resolved through proper verification.
“If the records in the personal file match the Primary Six Certificate, the controversy ends. If they do not, then the law regarding retirement age must be upheld without favoritism,” the statement added.
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