UNIBEN workers protest demolition of official quarters

The scene of demolition | credits: Alexander Okere

Some employees of the University of Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday protested against the alleged demolition of their official quarters by the state government.

The workers, numbering 25, alleged that the demolition was carried out on Monday night on the orders of the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, without prior notice.

They also accused the government of disrespecting the court over the disputed property, located on Edo Osagie Avenue in the General Residential Area, Benin, which they said was pending in court.

It was learnt that no fewer than 16 apartments, including that of a former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, were demolished.

It was gathered that the 16 bungalows were given to UNIBEN 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 Newspapers, Mr. Francis Onoiribholo, who was present during the demolition was allegedly beaten up by some persons for taking photographs.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities had, on December 23, raised concern over the alleged harassment of some of its members by suspected thugs over the disputed property.

It explained in a statement signed by the ASUU UNIBEN Chairman, Mr. Anthony Monye-Emina, that the university had filed an appeal on December 17, 2014, against a court judgment issued on the disputed parcels of land, which was occupied by some of its members.

Monye-Emina on Tuesday accused Oshiomhole of taking the law into his hands by ordering the demolition, even when the institution had secured a stay of execution order on the case, which would have been heard in court this month.

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UNIBEN workers protest demolition of official quarters