Tensions are running high at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, as concerned stakeholders under the banner of Concerned Stakeholders for Accountability at AAU have issued a blistering rebuttal to a recent press statement by the university’s management. The group is accusing the institution’s leadership of evading accountability and misrepresenting facts surrounding mounting corruption allegations.
Their response, co-signed by Osazuwa Efosa and Ebhos Oriakhi, comes after a press release issued by Otunba Mike Aladenika, the university’s Head of Information and Public Relations, dismissed earlier reports of mismanagement as the handiwork of “mischief makers.”
In a detailed rejoinder shared with Standard Daily Press, the group called Aladenika’s statement “highly misleading, defamatory, and overtly propagandist,” asserting that it attempts to deflect attention from “credible, evidence-backed claims” of financial impropriety and administrative abuse.
“This is not mischief — this is a call for justice”
The stakeholders insisted the allegations are not frivolous. According to them, they are armed with documentary proof, eyewitness accounts, and administrative records to back every claim. “This is not a faceless publication. It is backed by facts. We will make this evidence available if and when an independent investigative process is initiated,” the statement said.
They expressed outrage at what they described as an “institutional attempt to intimidate whistleblowers and silence critics,” arguing that the university’s use of public communication channels to issue a politically charged denial was not only unprofessional but legally questionable.
Key Allegations
The stakeholders reiterated several serious concerns, including:
-
Alleged irregularities in TETFUND-related contracts.
-
Opaque appointment processes for university officers.
-
Mishandling of staff disciplinary cases, including the controversial treatment of Dr. Peter Ibhawagbele.
-
Unexplained delays and irregularities in result processing and academic calendar management.
They also questioned why Aladenika failed to address what they termed the “ghost contract” for a non-existent Pro-Chancellor’s lodge, and the alleged awarding of contracts to members of the governing council and their allies, even while staff from the Obaseki administration are still owed salaries.
Legal Red Flags and Call for Redress
The group warned that the university may have violated multiple laws, including the Freedom of Information Act, Whistleblower Protection Act, and ethical provisions under the Public Service Rules. They say they are prepared to pursue legal action if the university management does not retract the “defamatory and misleading” parts of their press statement.
Appeal for Oversight
They have formally called on the EFCC, ICPC, National Universities Commission (NUC), the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, and the Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Education to initiate a full audit of the university’s financial dealings.
They also appealed to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to order an independent administrative inquiry into the university’s current management and council.
“This is about our future, not politics”
Concluding their statement, the stakeholders emphasized that their campaign is not politically motivated but rooted in the desire for good governance, transparency, and respect for public trust.
“Universities are public institutions, not private estates. We must all remain vigilant and resist every effort to cloak corruption in propaganda,” they said. “What we’re witnessing is not mischief—it’s a fight for the soul of a university that belongs to the people of Edo State.”
The statement ends with a passionate plea for media houses, civil society organisations, students, and the public to support the quest for accountability, adding, “The truth must not be buried under spin and silence.”
