Falana said Solarin’s memory cannot be honoured enough for the immense contributions that he made to enhance humanity.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has expressed his disapproval of the plan by Ogun State Government to rename Tai Solarin College of Education after the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
In a statement on Tuesday, the senior advocate of Nigeria said Governor Dapo Abiodun has not given any reason why he would take away the honour bestowed on the late Tai Solarin despite the latter’s contribution to the growth of education in Nigeria.
Falana said, “It is indisputable that the late Dr. Tai Solarin, founder of Mayflower School, Ikenne, contributed immensely to the educational development of Nigeria. In appreciation of the contribution of the late educationist, the Ogun State government rightly named a tertiary institution after him, the Tai-Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology.
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“Surprisingly, the Dapo Abiodun administration has announced its decision to rename the College of Education after a highly respected monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode. The decision ought to be jettisoned as the governor has not adduced any reason for denigrating the indelible record of the late foremost educationist.
“However, in view of the contribution of the Awujale to the cultural development of Ogun State and his consistent defence of justice and fair play in the country, the Ogun State government is advised to name an important institution after the monarch. The governor does not have to assault the memory of the great Solarin to honour Awujale.”
Falana said Solarin’s memory cannot be honoured enough for the immense contributions that he made to enhance humanity.
“The governor should be wary of the historical implications of such a seemingly insensitive decision,” he said, adding that “Indeed, any country should be proud of the legacies of Tai Solarin and be interested in immortalising him.”
