The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, has initiated legal action against NaijaOnPoint, a publication that alleged financial irregularities involving university staff. The publication claimed that UNILAG staff received ₦397million in irregular payments, while ₦434million in cash advances remained unretired. Ogunsola, through her solicitors, Bayo Osipitan and Co, has demanded a retraction, apology, and removal of the publication within 48 hours.
The publication in question, titled “Citadel of Criminals: Under VC Folashade Ogunsola, UNILAG Staff Pocketed N397million In Irregular Payments While N434million In Cash Advances Went Unretired,” appeared on NaijaOnPoint.com and the platform’s social media accounts. Ogunsola's solicitors argue that the report conveyed a false impression that she presided over and condoned the misappropriation of public funds, portraying her as a dishonest chief executive overseeing an institution populated by criminals.
In a letter signed by Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, Ogunsola denied engaging in, authorising, participating in, or knowingly facilitating any criminal conduct or financial impropriety. She considered the publication materially false, misleading, and injurious to her personal and professional reputation. The vice-chancellor acknowledged the importance of investigative journalism but objected to what she described as baseless allegations and unverified conclusions presented as established facts.
The solicitors cited Nigerian laws on defamation and provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, as amended, arguing that the publication could attract legal consequences. They demanded that NaijaOnPoint immediately remove the report from its website and social media platforms, publish an unequivocal retraction and apology with prominence comparable to the original publication, and refrain from further circulating the allegations.
The letter warned that failure to comply within 48 hours of receipt would result in civil proceedings against the publisher and other persons considered responsible for the publication. It also threatened a referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and possible prosecution. Among the reliefs being sought are declarations that the publication is defamatory and maliciously injurious, an order compelling its removal, and a perpetual injunction restraining further publication of the allegations.
Ogunsola is seeking ₦500million in general damages and another ₦500million in exemplary damages, bringing the total damages claimed to ₦1billion. The vice-chancellor's solicitors urged the publisher to treat the demands with urgency and take the requested actions to avoid further legal action. The development highlights the challenges faced by public officials in Nigeria, where allegations of financial impropriety can have severe consequences.
The case will likely have implications for the media and public officials in Nigeria, particularly regarding the balance between investigative journalism and protection of individuals' reputations. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will interpret the laws on defamation and cybercrimes. Key points include:
Key points
- The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, has threatened a ₦1billion suit against NaijaOnPoint.
- The publication alleged financial irregularities involving UNILAG staff, including ₦397million in irregular payments and ₦434million in unretired cash advances.
- Ogunsola denies any wrongdoing and seeks a retraction, apology, and removal of the publication.
