UNILAG crisis: Court refuses to grant Ogundipe exparte application against removal

A Lagos industrial court on Friday refused to grant  an interim injunction urging the court to suspend the removal of the vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe,  pending the final determination of his suit.

Ogundipe was removed by the Governing Council of the university led by Dr Babawale Babalakin at its emergency meeting held within the premises of the National Universities Commission, Abuja, over allegations of misappropriation of funds.

However, Ogundipe contested his removal, alleging that it did not follow due process. Since then, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, members of the university senate, the alumni body and several others have criticised the vice chancellor’s removal, urging the council to follow due process.

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Ogundipe, through his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo, had filed a suit to challenge his removal by the Governing Council of  the University of Lagos by the Governing Council, urging the court to set aside the decision to remove him as the VC.

READ ALSO: Ex-Unilag VC stood for one hour to defend himself at Council meeting- Babalakin

He filed an action at the National Industrial Court in Suit No: NICN/LA/D18/2020 dated 14th August 2020.  Joined as defendants in the suit are the University of Lagos, Council, Senate, Dr  Wale Babalakin, Registrar,  and Professor Theophilus Soyombo, the Acting Vice Chancellor appointed by the  Council.

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In witness statement on Oath personally deposed to by Professor Ogundipe, he claimed that he was not given fair hearing, and that the action of Council did not follow due process.

Ogundipe  therefore sought an exparte injunction to restrain the Defendants from removing him, but   Justice I. J Essien refused to entertain the application  for an interim injunction. The judge  directed the defendants to be put on Notice.

The court adjourned the hearing of the substantive suit to August 25.