The Obafemi Awolowo University has suspended Professor Richard Akindele over the audio conversation in which he demanded sex from a female student.
According to a press statement signed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, a prima facie case has been established against him.
“Having regard to the gravity of the offence for which Professor Richard I. Akindele is found to be prima facie liable, the Vice-Chancellor, in line with the Code of Conduct for the University Community and acting under all the laws and regulations of the University enabling him in that regard, has directed that Professor Richard I. Akindele be suspended forthwith from the University, pending the final determination of the disciplinary case against him.”
The statement reads:
“Audio Conversation: Obafemi Awolowo University Suspends Professor Richard I. Akindele
The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received and considered the interim report of the Committee set up to investigate the allegation of sexual harassment revealed in a recent audio recording.
In the interim report submitted to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, Professor Richard I. Akindele, of the Department of Management and Accounting, is now established to be the lecturer in the controversial “marks for sex” audio recording. The female voice has also been identified as that of Miss Monica Osetobe OSAGIE, a Postgraduate Student on the Master of Business Administration Regular programme.
Although the Investigative Committee had invited both Professor Richard I. Akindele and Miss Osagie, only Professor Akindele had appeared before the Committee, while Miss Osagie is yet to appear or make any representation. The report indicated that many other witnesses appeared before the Committee and gave useful evidence. The University is making efforts to ensure that Miss Osagie appears before the investigative committee so that it can hear her side of the case and promptly submit its final report.
The Committee observed that a prima facie case of inappropriate relationship with the female student had been established against Professor Richard I. Akindele. The Vice-Chancellor, having carefully and dispassionately considered the report, also came to the conclusion that a prima facie case of serious misconduct had been established.
Having regard to the gravity of the offence for which Professor Richard I. Akindele is found to be prima facie liable, the Vice-Chancellor, in line with the Code of Conduct for the University Community and acting under all the laws and regulations of the University enabling him in that regard, has directed that Professor Richard I. Akindele be suspended forthwith from the University, pending the final determination of the disciplinary case against him.
Under the provisions of the relevant Statute of the University, an academic staff can only be dismissed from service or have his or her appointment terminated only when the matter on which consideration is being given has been investigated by a Joint Council and Senate Committee, and the staff has appeared before the committee with his or her counsel, if so desired. This procedure is the minimum requirement of the law and regulations of the University. It should therefore be noted that the suspension of Professor Richard I. Akindele is on the basis of the findings of the Investigative Committee that he is prima facie liable, and this decision will abide, pending the final determination of the case by the Council of the University.
We will like to reiterate that OAU will continue to do everything legally and morally acceptable in pursuance of its avowed commitment to zero tolerance for sexual harassment, intimidation and, or coercion.”
Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, the embattled Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has quietly withdrawn his lawsuit challenging the controversial appointment of Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as his successor—an appointment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in alleged violation of constitutional procedures.
“Just let him know that you are passionate like him and fellow human being’s happiness is paramount to you and that you hold the ideals of man in high esteem, let him know you can contribute positively to the reason why humanity must not suffer, let him know that you are full of ideas that can bring joy and happiness to humanity, let him know that the comfortabilities of the people, the equal rights of the people in a world where no man feels he/she is more superior to the other is your perogative, let him know you can offer positive solutions to difficult situations instantly,let him know that you are super ready to bring people out of the quagmire they might found themselves at any point in time, then he will bring you closer to himself so you will have unlimited access to him and become his friend. He will make sure you are encouraged and generously rewarded for your contribution.His love and concern for humanity is unprecedented no matter your gender or status in the society. This is why people often times take undue advantage of his large heartedness for granted especially the female folks”
A video recording of Nnamdi Kanu’s interrogation by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been played in court in his ongoing trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
