Oduduwa University addresses calls for boycott over founder Ramon Adedoyin’s arrest

Ramon Adedoyin

The management of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has appealed for calm following calls for boycott after its founder Ramon Adedoyin was arrested over the death of Timothy Adegoke who was studying for a master’s degree at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mr Adegoke had lodged at Hilton Hotel, which is owned by Mr Adedoyin, between October 22 and November 5, 2021. He was later found dead.

In a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson Damilola Fadare, Oduduwa University assured that calls for boycott were unnecessary, adding that it prioritises safety of students and staff.

“The management of Oduduwa University, at this time, wishes to inform the public that Oduduwa University is an institution that is operated by its Governing Council, although it is one of the businesses under the conglomerate of Dr. Ramon Adegoke Adedoyin,” the statement read.

“Oduduwa University has operated for over 12 years under a serene, peaceful and exciting environment without any form of interruption on its academic calendars and activities. We wish to state further that Oduduwa University, over these past 12 years and still counting, has produced role models who are flourishing in their areas of endeavours.

“We unequivocally wish to state that the safety of workers and students of this noble institution remains paramount to us and at no time has Oduduwa University been linked to any nefarious act.”

The university sympathised with the bereaved family and urged the public to allow the police investigate the case.