The Coalition of Ondo State Indigenes Against Corruption, led by Mr. Love Olawumi, has called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to refrain from approving the recent Vice-Chancellor appointment report submitted by the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Council.
The group argued that ongoing legal battles cast serious doubts on the credibility of the selection process and that any action taken now would be premature.
According to the coalition, the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, is currently handling a case that challenges the legality of the interview process for the position.
They insisted that proceeding with the appointment while the court has yet to decide would amount to an abuse of due process.
Adding to the crisis, the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Akure, presided over by Justice K.D. Damulak, has scheduled March 25, 2025, for a hearing in a lawsuit filed by Professor Adolphus Odogun Loto against the UNIMED Council and its current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Olayiwola Fatusi.
Professor Loto, who previously served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Clinical Services), is challenging his removal from office on May 9, 2024, which he describes as unlawful.
He alleged that his dismissal was orchestrated after he raised concerns about financial improprieties, contract fraud, and administrative misconduct involving the Vice-Chancellor and other senior officials.
In his suit, NICN/AK/22/2024, Professor Loto is demanding reinstatement to complete his tenure, payment of all outstanding entitlements, and ₦25 million in damages for reputational harm and legal expenses.
He is also seeking access to personal belongings valued at over ₦325 million, which he claims have remained locked in his former office since his removal.
His legal action has further fueled the crisis rocking UNIMED, bringing to light deep-seated accusations of corruption and governance irregularities.
Amid these unfolding events, the Coalition of Ondo State Indigenes Against Corruption has announced plans to stage a massive protest in seven days to express their dissatisfaction with the university’s administration.
They have accused the UNIMED Council of unlawfully imposing an unqualified Registrar, Mr. Imoleayo Adeniran, and conducting a Vice-Chancellor selection process that allegedly defied court orders and legal injunctions.
So far, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has yet to respond to the coalition’s demands or the ongoing legal battles.
However, as tensions rise, stakeholders are closely watching how the state government will handle the controversy threatening the stability of one of Ondo State’s leading institutions.