The National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has faulted the decision to honour Governor Dapo Abiodun by the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), insisting that there is no TASUED without Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) and questioning the governor’s impact on the institution.
Arabambi stated that TASUED remains the singular vision and legacy of former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, whose administration conceived, established and nurtured the institution despite stiff opposition at the time. According to him, any attempt to rewrite history or downplay OGD’s foundational role amounts to intellectual dishonesty.
“There is no TASUED without OGD. That is a historical fact. The question now is simple: what exactly has Governor Dapo Abiodun contributed to TASUED to warrant any form of honour?” Arabambi asked.
The Labour Party leader accused the Abiodun administration of failing to make any meaningful or transformative impact on the university since assuming office. He noted that TASUED continues to grapple with infrastructural decay, inadequate funding, staff welfare challenges and an unconducive learning environment.
“Under this administration, TASUED has not witnessed any landmark intervention, expansion or policy support that can be described as legacy-driven. So, on what moral or academic basis is this honour being bestowed?” he queried.
Arabambi further described the honour as politically motivated, warning that academic institutions must not be dragged into image laundering or used as tools for political validation.
“Universities should be centres of truth, history and intellectual integrity, not platforms for political propaganda. Honours must be earned through verifiable impact, not political convenience,” he said.
He cautioned that celebrating leaders without substance undermines the credibility of the institution and insults the sacrifices of those who genuinely laboured to build TASUED from scratch.
Arabambi called on the management and stakeholders of TASUED to uphold the truth, protect the institution’s legacy and resist any pressure to compromise history for short-term political gains.
“OGD’s legacy in TASUED is visible and permanent. Until Governor Abiodun can point to a clear, lasting and measurable contribution to the growth of the university, any attempt to honour him remains unjustified and unacceptable,” he concluded.
Signed:
Dr Abayomi Arabambi
National Vice Chairman,
South West (LP)
30th January 2026
