A civil society organisation, Coalition of Ondo State Indigenes, has taken legal action against the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, and its Governing Council over the recent appointment of the institution’s Vice Chancellor and Registrar.
The group filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, challenging the process that led to the appointment of Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe as the new Vice Chancellor. The development follows the expiration of the tenure of the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed that Professor Adolphus Odogun Loto should oversee the university’s administration pending Professor Adejuyigbe’s resumption. However, the CSO, through its counsel, Mr. Aki Amuluku, is seeking to halt Adejuyigbe’s appointment, alleging that the procedure violated the university’s extant laws.
Justice Akinbinu of a lower court had earlier ruled that he lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the claimants—Jonathan Obatola and Love Olawumi—approached the appellate court, insisting that the appointments were unlawful and a breach of the university’s statutes.
In their notice of appeal, the appellants asked the court to declare the appointment process “null and void,” citing irregularities and a disregard for due process. Defendants in the suit include members of the UNIMED Governing Council—Professor Ayodele Arowojolu, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, Professor Tolu Odugbemi, Chief Tola Wewe, and others.
Beyond the legal battle, the Coalition also issued a public statement urging Governor Aiyedatiwa to suspend any further steps regarding the VC’s appointment until the appeal is determined.
Part of the statement by Olawumi reads:
“The Coalition of Ondo Indigenes wishes to respectfully appeal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to stay all actions relating to the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor for the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, pending the outcome of the ongoing appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure Judicial Division.”
He added that as law-abiding citizens, the Coalition firmly believes in allowing the rule of law to take its full course in the interest of justice, equity, and peace.