UNIBEN staff protest demolition of residential quartres

January 6, 2015 by Alexander Okere, Benin 3 Comments

Staff of the University of Benin, Edo State, took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the alleged demolition of their official residential quartres by the state government.

The staff, numbering 25, alleged that demolition was carried outon Monday night on the orders of the State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, without prior notice.

They also accused the Edo State Government of disrespecting the rule of law on a court case over the disputed properties,located on Edo Osagie Avenue, at the General Residential Area in Benin,which they said was pending in court.

It was learnt that no fewer than 18 residential apartments, including that of the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Osayuki Oshodin, were demolished.

It was gathered that the 16 bungalows were given to the University of Benin by a former military governor of the Old Bendel State, Dr.

Samuel Ogbemudia, in 1970, sequel to the establishment of the institution, then known as Midwest Institute of Technology.

It was also learnt that the South-South Bureau Chief of the Daily Independent Newspaper, Mr. Francis Onoiribholo, who was present during the demolition exercise, was alleged beaten and his midget taken away by some persons, while taking photographs.

It would be recalled that the union had on December 23 raised the concern over the alleged harassment of some of their members by suspected thugs over the disputed property.

It explained in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Mr. Anthony Monye-Emina, that the university had filed an appeal on December 17 against a court judgement issued on the disputed properties of land, which was occupied by some of its members.

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UNIBEN staff protest demolition of residential quartres