The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASSUS) in Ondo State is currently embroiled in a serious leadership crisis as its immediate past chairman, Comrade Balogun Olatunji Tajudeen, has allegedly refused to relinquish office weeks after his retirement.
Comrade Tajudeen, who officially exited service on April 22, 2026, is accused of failing to transfer authority to the deputy chairman, Mr. Tairu Amuda, as required by the union’s constitution.
The delay has sparked tension and uncertainty within the union, with members divided over the legitimacy of continued actions taken by the former leader.
Insiders disclosed that the prolonged refusal to hand over has disrupted the smooth functioning of ASSUS across secondary schools in the state, creating factions and weakening internal cohesion among teachers.
Attempts to resolve the impasse have reportedly been unsuccessful.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo, had issued a directive urging strict adherence to constitutional procedures, including the immediate handover of leadership.
However, the directive has allegedly been ignored by the retired chairman.
Adding to the controversy are claims that Comrade Tajudeen has pursued an unauthorized extension of service and is said to be operating quietly from Igoba High School, raising questions about compliance with established civil service rules.
Education stakeholders and concerned union members have expressed alarm over the situation, warning that the ongoing dispute could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the state’s secondary school system.
They have called on the Ondo State Government to urgently step in, enforce due process, and restore order within the union.
“The integrity of the union and the welfare of teachers are at stake,” a stakeholder noted. “Swift government intervention is necessary to prevent further escalation.”
As tensions continue to rise, all eyes remain on the state authorities to take decisive action and bring an end to the growing crisis within ASSUS.
