Hendrix Oliomogbe
The relative peace in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU) may once again be disturbed if the series of damning allegations against the vice-chancellor Prof. Mrs. Eunice Omonzejie bordering on administrative incompetence, insensitivity to staff welfare, and internal bickering are anything to go by.
Besides, Mrs. Omozejie, who was appointed last year as vice chancellor, stood accused of removing the institution's bursar, Dr. Sadiq Oshoke Akhor in controversial circumstances that didn't follow due process and smack of vendetta.
It was gathered that due to the palpable tension which enveloped the university over non-payment of March salary before the Easter celebrations and the non-utilisation of the one billion naira lifeline released by Governor Monday Okpebholo to offset part of the salary arrears owed staff by the immediate past administration, the state government had on 6th April 2026 announced the removal of the bursar, directing his redeployment to his previous academic position in the university’s Department of Accounting.
Piqued by the removal, Dr. Akhor has since headed to the court through his lawyer, Fortress Attorneys to challenge the action of the authorities.
In a legal notice to the university's registrar dated April 9, 2026 through his counsel, Mr. PY Musa, he contended that the removal is unlawful and unconstitutional, and has given a one-month notice before commencing legal fireworks.
Titled Re: Unlawful Removal of Dr. Sadiq Oshoke Akhor from Office As Bursar of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Notice of Legal Proceedings" and addressed to the school's registrar, he said that before the announcement of the sack, his client received no query whatsoever either from the Governing Council of the University or the Governor acting as the Visitor of the University.
He continued: "In other words, the grave allegations made in the public announcement were not brought to our client's attention and his reaction thereto was not duly obtained."
The lawyer noted that the action is patently unlawful and unconstitutional, as same is in violent breach of Section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 19(1) of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Law, 1999 (as amended), the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1993 (as amended) and the extant University Regulations governing our client's appointment.
He added: "Premised on the foregoing, we hereby give you the statutory one month notice of our client’s intention to commence legal proceedings against the University and others in a court of competent jurisdiction."
Amongst other reliefs, the claimant is seeking a declaration that his purported removal from office as bursar of AAU by the Governor of Edo State on 6th April, 2026 without a hearing is patently unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever.
Dr. Akor is also seeking a declaration that his appointment as bursar of the school is for a fixed tenure of five years with effect from 30th April, 2025 and so cannot be removed from office before the expiration of his tenure save for a proven case of misconduct or inability to perform the functions of his office.
He is also demanding for a declaration that under the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Law, 1999 (as amended) and the extant Regulations governing the appointment of Senior Staff of the university, the Governor of Edo State is totally bereft of power to remove the Claimant from office as bursar of the university.
The petitioner also wants an order from the court nullifying his purported removal from office as bursar; a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from disturbing or further disturbing or preventing him from discharge of his duties as bursar and a ₦500,000,000 general damages for the grave embarrassment, pain and suffering caused him by the aforesaid actions of the defendants.
He concluded: "In the light of the above, we hereby request you to refrain from taking any steps that undermine our client’s position as the bursar of your university."
The institution's Public Relations Officer (PRO) Otunba Mike Aladenika however maintained that contrary to claims made in certain quarters uthat there is no crisis of any kind at the state owned tertiary institution.
Otunba Aladenika said, "the authorities under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Mrs. Omonzejie continues to work harmoniously with all principal officers and staff to sustain the progress recorded in recent months."
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