The suspended Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Dr. Banji Olaleye, has alleged that his suspension over an extortion case was premeditated, claiming the university management had long sought his removal prior to the investigation.
Dr. Olaleye made this assertion following his suspension alongside the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, James Adio.
The trio was accused of involvement in the unauthorized collection of ₦1,000 from 100-level students.
According to Olaleye, the decision to suspend him was influenced by internal politics rather than the outcome of any investigation.
He claimed that since the current administration assumed office in February, there had been clear indications that he was not favored due to perceived lack of support for the Vice-Chancellor’s emergence.
“I am not a kingmaker. I did not influence the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor,” he stated, dismissing claims linking his suspension to misconduct.
He explained that his role in the matter was limited to mediating a dispute between the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and student representatives over funding for practical sessions.
According to him, he only facilitated communication and ensured that funds already collected were properly remitted.
Olaleye further disclosed that about ₦2.5 million was recovered through the intervention, out of which ₦1 million was reportedly returned to student representatives as appreciation, while the balance was transferred as directed by the appropriate authorities.
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He denied any involvement in extortion or mismanagement of funds, insisting that he neither collected nor diverted students’ money.
He also questioned the disciplinary process, noting that he was suspended before being formally queried and before investigations were concluded.
“The announcement of my suspension before the investigation was completed subjected me to unnecessary public ridicule,” he said.
Additionally, he raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in the investigation, pointing to the reinstatement of the SUG president as evidence that the allegations may not have been thoroughly substantiated.
However, the university management has firmly rejected Olaleye’s claims. FUOYE’s spokesperson, Dr. Sunday Saanu, described the allegations as false and maintained that the institution acted strictly in line with its anti-extortion policy.
According to Saanu, a prima facie case had been established against the suspended officials, and the disciplinary action was based on the findings of an investigative panel.
“The university has zero tolerance for extortion. The evidence against the lecturer was compelling, and the decision was made in accordance with due process,” he stated.
He also dismissed suggestions that the suspension was politically motivated, emphasizing that the institution’s actions were purely administrative and aimed at upholding accountability and integrity.
The controversy continues to generate debate within the university community, with stakeholders calling for transparency and fairness as investigations progress.
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