Hon. Justice W.R. Olamide of the Ondo State High Court, Akure, has ordered the Governing Council of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, led by its chairman, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Ayodele Arowojolu, to maintain the status quo regarding the alleged removal of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Clinical Services, Prof. Adolphus O. Loto.
On May 6th, 2024, Justice Olamide restrained the 18-member Governing Council from removing Prof. Loto as DVC Administration and clinical services or setting up any panel of enquiry to try him for gross misconduct. But, contrary to the court order, fourteen (14) council members relieved Prof. Loto of his position, with the university’s Public Relations Officer, Temitope Oluwatayo, claiming he was removed for spreading “frivolous, spurious, and unsubstantiated allegations” against the university management.
It was gathered from a reliable source that despite the PRO’s claims that 100% of the University Senate and Council members voted for Prof. Loto’s removal, it was clearly reported that some reputable and credible members of UNIMED governing council like Commissioner for Education Mr. Laolu Akindolire, Commissioner for Health Dr. Banji Ajaka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Prof. Simidele Odimayo, and a legal luminary, Barrister Olaniyi Kukoyi, all members of the Governing Council, objected to his sacking reiterating that there is a subsisting court order restraining the council members to debate, discuss and act on the subject matter before the law court.
However, at the resumption of the hearing, Hon. Justice Olamide ruled that the defendants disobeyed his order of interim injunction gave onn6th May, 2024, which is tantamount to contempt of court.
The judge held that the defendants did not vacate his injunction in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Justice Olamide also ordered all defendants to be present in court on the next adjourned date, August 5th, 2024, or face consequences for contempt of court.
Meanwhile, it is however noted that members of UNIMED governing council acted ultra-vire and erred in law by investigating criminal allegations concerning financial improprieties and contract frauds.
