Court refers AAU VC appointment’s case for settlement

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Edo State High court sitting at Ekpoma has referred the case between the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Prof. Ignatius Onimawo and his rival, prof. Efeisimi Badaiki to the State Multi Door court House for “across-the-table settlement”.
Efeisimi Badaik, professor of law in the University, is challenging the appointment of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo and the the Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) to vindicate his reputation.
Justice Justina Okeaya-Inneh, gave the order at resumed hearing last Wednesday.
The Judge had halted the process, following alleged refusal by the Respondents, represented by H. Ogbodu to disclose the information directly to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Counsel President Aigbokhan who had on January 9, 2018 made the application.
The Respondents in the in a Suit No. He/C/8/2018, are, the Governing Council of the University, the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, Ambrose Alli University and the School’s Registrar.
Badaiki, former Dean School of post graduate studies (AAU), is among the Candidates who participated in the interview Examinations conducted by the Management of the University preceding the confirmation of Prof. Ignatius Onimawo as the substantive Vice Chancellor in 2016.
The Claimant in an affidavit, is asking for the release of certified true copies of the Report of Joint Council and Senate Selection Board in choosing a substantive Vice Chancellor for Ambrose Alli University on April, 28, 2016 under the Freedom of Information (FOI) law.
The Claimant is also seeking an order of court compelling the respondents to provide the tape of the video recording of the interview of the Candidates for appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor for Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma of 28th day of April 2016 under the Freedom of Information (FOI) law.
Asked if the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo is aware that the case had been transferred to Edo State Multi Door court for across the table settlement with Prof. Efeisimi Badaiki, he told our Correspondent in a telephone interview that “that is fake news!.
“It is a complete false that I am going to negotiate. There is nothing like that. These are fabrications of fake news they are talking about”, he said.