Osun NUT Debunks False Report on Former Chairman’s Retirement

The Osun State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has refuted claims that its immediate past Chairman, Comrade Fatade Muritala, was compelled to resign under pressure from the state government.

The rebuttal follows a report circulated by Osun Defender and other sources alleging government interference in Comrade Fatade’s exit from office.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the newly elected Chairman of the Union, Comrade Babalola Isaac Babatunde, described the report as a “deliberate falsehood” aimed at misleading the public.

“It is a pure lie that Comrade Fatade was pressurized by the state government to resign. This is far from the truth,” Babalola stated.

He clarified that the former chairman’s retirement was in accordance with statutory regulations governing age and years of service.

“As a responsible union, we would have ignored the fake news, but for the sake of innocent readers who may be misled by such falsehood, we have decided to set the record straight. Comrade Fatade was never pressured to resign. His retirement followed the due process.”

Citing Article 4(1) of the NUT Constitution, Babalola explained that only active teachers employed by government-recognized institutions are eligible for union membership and leadership roles. Once retired, a member automatically vacates any official position.

He also stressed that at no point did Governor Ademola Adeleke or the Osun State Government interfere in the union’s affairs.

Babalola used the occasion to appeal to media practitioners for greater responsibility in their reportage.

“I want to implore men of the pen profession to always fact-check any story before publishing. Journalists must recognize the power of their words and the importance of protecting reputations. For the sake of integrity and societal peace, media professionals must verify their facts,” he urged.

The union leader went on to commend the Adeleke administration for its continued support for the teaching profession in the state.

“The administration of Governor Adeleke has been kind to Osun teachers. We’ve experienced prompt salary payments, improved infrastructure, and a renewed commitment to quality education. We will continue to support his people-oriented policies in education,” he said.

The Osun NUT urged the public to disregard the false claims and continue to support the union in its mission to defend the rights of teachers and promote educational development in the state.