FUOYE says deputy dean’s probe is lawful, rejects political claims

By Boye Oyeyemi

The suspended Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Banji Olaleye, has alleged that the investigation into claims that he extorted students was predetermined, insisting the university’s management had resolved to remove him before the probe commenced.

Olaleye, who spoke in an interview on Sunday, claimed the current administration became uncomfortable with him after assuming office in February because it believed he did not support the emergence of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole. He argued that his suspension was aimed at tarnishing his reputation rather than enforcing disciplinary measures based on established facts.

The university recently suspended Olaleye, the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, and the Students’ Union Government President, James Adio, over allegations that students were compelled to pay an unauthorised N1,000 levy.

Defending himself, Olaleye denied involvement in collecting the money, saying he only stepped in after the dean of student affairs asked him to mediate in a dispute between the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and student leaders over funding for practical sessions. He said the directorate informed him that the levy was introduced because funds for practicals had not been released by the university.

He maintained that his role was limited to ensuring money already collected by class representatives was recovered and remitted as directed by the directorate. Olaleye further alleged that he was suspended before investigations were concluded and was only issued a query five days after the suspension. He also questioned why officials directly involved in handling the funds were not investigated, adding that the reinstatement of the suspended SUG president had raised fresh questions about the basis for the sanctions.

A senior university official, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, also claimed the investigative panel misled the management. The official alleged that Olaleye’s office merely intervened to resolve the dispute and had advised the directorate to seek alternative sources of funding instead of collecting money from students.

However, the university’s spokesperson, Sunday Saanu, rejected the allegations, insisting the suspension was based solely on the institution’s anti-extortion policy. He said the investigative committee established a prima facie case against Olaleye and dismissed claims that the disciplinary action was politically motivated or linked to the emergence of the vice-chancellor.

Saanu maintained that the university remained committed to accountability and due process in handling disciplinary matters. He said the institution would continue to uphold its zero-tolerance policy against extortion and other forms of misconduct, while allowing the appropriate procedures to determine the outcome of the case.