Such a stipulation could have been adhered to with
Post# of 148112
We know that the BOD had issues with having a non-biotech person in charge, but they put up with it at the time because everyone else gave up and he was wiling to try and was successful at raising money to keep things going.
Now that the Company is on the cusp of success, the BOD's insecurities came raging back and they took this opportunity to kick him to the curb.
Given that NP said he'd willingly step down if asked, I can't imagine him being adamant about rejecting any serious offers outright.
No, I think this was a coup by the BOD.