THERE are strong indications that Joseph Babatunde Akeju, former bursar of Yaba college of technology, Lagos, who was victimized, oppressed and eventually dismissed for exposing the allege monumental looting of the college may be reinstated on compassionate grounds
Our reporter learnt that about six years ago, Akeju petitioned the police, EFCC and ICPC, on how Olubunmi Owoso, the immediate past rector of Yabatech allegedly looted the college
According to sources, the Owoso-led regime, obviously rattled by the daring manner Akeju exposed the allege fraudulent activities of the regime, began to victimize, oppress and intimidate the Ekiti-born former bursar
The series of victimization eventually resulted in the dismissal of Akeju on April 15, 2009, by the management of the past rector.
However, October 29, 2008, Akeju filed a case at the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos challenging his dismissal, which led to a series of legal crossfire between the two warring principal officers of the college
But, recent feelers emanating from the college have it that Akeju has bowed to instance pressure from friends and well wishers and agreed to withdraw the case from the court. To this effect, the former bursar in a letter dated February 10, 2010 and addressed to the chairman of the governing council for Yabatech appeal that for the sake of peace and progress, his dismissal should be commuted to reinstatement
In his reply, Biekoroma Amapakabo, registrar/secretary to the governing council on July 20. 2010 gave Akeju conditions that could enable the management of the college commute his dismissal to retirement on compassionate grounds
According to him, the former bursar must provide documented evidences of withdrawing the case from the court, as well as swear to an affidavit that he will not continue with the case
However, Akeju told our reporter on phone today that his lawyer is still studying what a lot of his friends and associate describe as suicide letter from Yabatech
Adekunle Adams, public relations officer of Yabatech was not on seat when our reporter visited the college for official comment on the issue