Local residents of Ikoga-Zebbe Kingdom in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have made a plea to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the reinstatement of five lecturers from Lagos State University who were terminated by the university’s management in 2019.
These lecturers, who were part of the Lagos State chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, were dismissed in September 2019 following allegations of mishandling official confidential documents.
The affected lecturers are Isaac Oyewumi, the union’s chairman; Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu, vice chairman; Dr. Tony Dansu, secretary; Adeolu Oluwaseyi Oyekan, assistant secretary; and Oluwakemi Aboderin-Shonibare, treasurer.
In May 2024, community members hosting the university organized a protest demanding the reinstatement of these lecturers.
A communiqué obtained by PUNCH Metro revealed that residents are seeking the unconditional reinstatement of the lecturers along with their financial entitlements and benefits.
The communiqué expressed their plea to Governor Sanwo-Olu to overturn the decision made by the Lagos State University Governing Council on February 23, 2022, regarding the dismissed lecturers.
Despite numerous requests for their reinstatement, the community expressed disappointment at the lack of progress, urging for justice through public appeal via the press.
The university spokesperson, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, mentioned that the institution does not have the authority to reinstate the terminated lecturers.
Similarly, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, remained unreachable for comments.