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By: Manoah Kikekon
Indigenous Community Demands Justice, Payment of Backlogs, and End to Marginalization
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| LASU gate and Babajide Sanwo-olu |
A group, the Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ikoga-Zebbe Kingdom in Badagry, Lagos, has reiterated its appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reinstate five lecturers dismissed by Lagos State University (LASU) in 2019.
The affected lecturers, former officials of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), include Isaac Oyewumi (Chairperson), Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu (Vice Chairperson), Anthony Dansu (Secretary), Adeolu Oluwaseyi Oyekan (Assistant Secretary), and Oluwakemi Adebisi Aboderin-Shonibare (Treasurer).
In a statement issued on Monday, the group urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to enforce the Lagos State University Governing Council’s February 2022 resolution, which called for the unconditional reinstatement of the lecturers.
“We appeal to the governor to lift the embargo on implementing the Governing Council’s decision to reinstate our son, Tony Dansu, and four other ASUU-LASU officials wrongfully dismissed in 2017 and 2019,” the statement read.
The group also demanded full payment of withheld salaries and benefits, as well as promotions where due, without loss of seniority.
Controversial Dismissal and Failed Reinstatement
The lecturers were dismissed in September 2019 over allegations of unauthorized handling of confidential university documents. However, in February 2022, an Appeal Committee led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Adenike Boyo exonerated them and recommended their reinstatement.
Despite the Governing Council’s initial approval, the decision was abruptly suspended within 48 hours. Over three years later, the lecturers remain dismissed, with no official explanation from the state government.
Frustrated Efforts and Alleged Bias
The Ikoga-Zebbe group lamented that despite multiple appeals—including letters to the Governor, Deputy Governor, Lagos Assembly Speaker, and other officials—their demands have been ignored. A peaceful protest at LASU in September 2024 also yielded no results.
The group further accused LASU of double standards, citing the reinstatement of another lecturer, Tajudeen Olumoko, who was previously suspended over certificate racketeering allegations.
“This selective justice suggests that our son’s only ‘crime’ is lacking influential backers in government,” the statement read. “It also reinforces the perception that Badagry Division continues to face marginalization in state affairs.”
LASU’s spokesperson, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
Call for Fairness and Urgent Action
The group warned that further delays in resolving the matter could deepen distrust in the state’s commitment to justice and equity. They urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to act swiftly to uphold the rule of law and restore the lecturers’ careers.
“We demand fairness. If others can be reinstated after serious allegations, why not our own?” the statement concluded.
(PREMIUM TIME)