FIJ
Professor Shola Adepoju, the immediate past Director-General of the UNESCO-recognised Nigeria’s Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) headquartered in Ibadan, Oyo State, who left office in March this year, has been accused of diverting government properties.
According to a source, some exotic vehicles purchased for the smooth operations of the institute were diverted by the former DG and Olufemi Michael Hastrup, the institute’s human resources director.
According to the source, Professor Zacharia Yaduma, the new director-general, has been grappling with sundry administrative issues, including easy mobility and finances, because the institute was grounded by his predecessor.
FAILED THIRD TERM DRAMA
Our source explained that the Ogbomoso-born administrator fought hard to extend his occupation of the office for another term of four years in clear violation of the FRIN establishment act.
“Professor Shola Adepoju was DG FRIN Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, from March 31, 2015 to March 31, 2023,” the source said.
“He attempted an illegal third term. He failed flatly. He explored all his contacts in the presidency to make that happen. The FRIN act allows a maximum of two terms of four years each.”
Section 6(3) of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2008 states, “The director-general of the institute shall hold office for a term of four years and may be eligible for re-appointment for another term of four years and no more.”
UNDER-VALUATION OF FRIN VEHICLES
Few months to the expiration of Adepoju’s second term, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing undertook an inspection and valuation of some vehicles belonging to FRIN.
According to a document exclusively obtained by FIJ, five vehicles were inspected and valued at disingenuously low rates. The mechanical division of the works ministry valued two Toyota Prado cars, a Toyota Hilux, a Volkswagen Bettle and a Kia Cerato at ridiculous amounts.
