By Akinwale Kasali
Suspended University of Lagos, UNILAG, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has been reinstated. He received his letter of reinstatement Tuesday night after being cleared of any wrongdoings. The news was greeted with wild jubilation in the University community.
Professor Ogundipe who was enmeshed in crisis with the Wale Babalakin, SAN, led Governing Council of the Citadel in August, was suspended for insubordination, alleged fraud, high handedness and disrespect to the Board of the institution.
The heat of the crisis ignited by what a source described as “more of financial tussle than any other”, was finally brought to a halt when the President Muhammadu Buhari administration suspended the Babalakin led Governing Council and set-up a Visitation Panel.
His removal had stirred massive protests by the University Senate, staff unions and other members of the community who had unanimously backed the embattled VC
A source very close to the now victorious Ogundipe confirmed that Ogundipe was expected to return to Lagos on Wednesday.
The source also said the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu will make the official announcements in that regards. It has already been made.
The magazine gathered that the embattled VC was exonerated by the presidential panel that investigated the crisis which engulfed the institution due to the disagreement between him and popular businessman, Wale Babalakin, who was, until he voluntarily resigned , the Pro Chancellor/ Council Chairman.
As the drama unfolded, President Muhammadu Buhari, as Visitor to the University, had removed Prof. Theophilus Soyombo, the Acting Vice Chancellor appointed by Babalakin to replace Ogundipe and appointed Prof Folashade Ogunsola to act as the VC pending the report of the visitation committee.
Also confirming this on his Facebook book page, renowned broadcast journalist, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju wrote,”Unilag VC reinstated! The truth prevails. We said it that Babalakin was wrong.”
However, Prof. Ogundipe has withdrawn its legal suit against Babalakin for defamation and other charges.
