The lingering industrial crisis rocking Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, deepened Wednesday as hundreds of workers spilled over onto Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road protesting against Prof. Malachy O. Akoroda, Executive Director of the institute, accusing him of maladministration.
The women staff, who dressed half-naked, were joined by their male c
ounterparts to chant anti-management songs. In fact, the presence of the police did not deter them from their agitation as it seemed to have rather strengthened them.
Apart from their protests, the workers also barricaded the main entrance of the institute with loads of sand and logs of wood.
They were also supported by some community leaders and youths who shared their feelings and joined them in their demands.
The protesting workers, on the arrival of armed policemen, also accused the Commissioner of Police Leye Oyebade of conniving with the institute’s director to suppress the demands for their rights.
A statement jointly signed by Chief Yekeen Ogunyode, the Baale of Odo Ona nla, and Comrade Solomon Adebiyo reads: “We, the entire workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan and members of the host communities decry and condemn in its entirety the decision of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade, to use brutal force to suppress and repress the ongoing legitimate agitation of CRIN workers against the years of despotic and draconian rule of Prof Malachy O. Akoroda, the Executive Director of the institute.”
But the area Commander of Idi Ayunre Police Command who led officers to the scene, said they were at the scene to maintain peace and order. “We are aware of their agitation but it is our duty to ensure their protest does not turn into violence”, he said.
-Leadership