Several representatives of the Senate in the Governing Council of the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) have attacked the Pro-Chancellor, Wale Babalakin for his role in the sacking of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.
Professor Olukemi Odukoya and Bola Oboh accused the Pro-Chancellor of not giving the ousted Vice Chancellor a fair hearing regarding allegations of corruption levelled against him.
Both council members voted against the removal of Ogundipe as Vice Chancellor when it was put to vote.
Speaking in a statement addressed to members of the UNILAG senate, Professor Odukoya said the Pro-Chancellor, Babalakin manipulated the process that removed Ogundipe as Vice Chancellor.
“It is with great regret that I announce to you that the Pro-Chancellor has had his way in actualising his machinery to remove the Vice Chancellor,” his statement read.
“At today’s 12th August 2020, Emergency Meeting of Council in Abuja, Dr Babalakin asked the VC and DVC (DS) to leave the meeting and by vote of 6 to 4, announced that the Vice Chancellor has been removed. Members arise, this is unacceptable. We must defend the Management of the University.”
In another letter also addressed to the UNILAG Senate, Bola Oboh said the regulations of the University was stepped on by the Pro-Chancellor in his quest to remove the VC.
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“Dear Senate members, the University of Lagos regulation has been stepped on and ridiculed. Babawale Babalakin, the Pro-Chancellor waited for the tenure of Prof. Chukwu and Prof. Familoni to end, to call an Emergency Council meeting.”
“Based on the Dagari report, without allowing the VC defend himself, the ProChancellor called for a vote for the removal of the VC. I (Prof. Oboh), Prof. Odukoya, Prof. Leshi and John Momoh voted against the removal of the VC. Six persons (excluding Babalakin) voted for. Babalakin then went ahead to announce the removal of the VC.”
“Dear Senate members, the procedure for removal of persons in office is clear and this was pointed out to Babalakin several times but he turned deaf ears. He said he will announce the Ag. Vice-Chancellor at 5 pm. I have excused myself that I need to report to Senate members the shameful act currently ongoing. Please let us arise to fight this.”