Search For VC: Group Kicks Over Plot Against Benin Interest

A pressure group under the aegis of Benin United Forum (BUF) yesterday called on the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, and Benin stakeholders to stop the plan to scuttle the chances of a Benin man succeeding the outgoing vice chancellor in favour of a non-indigene.

Recall that the tenure of the current vice-chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami, will end by December 2024. The university has also advertised for eligible and qualified persons to apply.

Addressing a press conference, the president of the group, Iyamu Osaro Culture, flanked by the secretary, Osayuki Benson, and other members, said the group, through discreet investigation, had uncovered plan by the outgoing VC to hand over to a Yoruba man.

Culture noted, ” It is on record that in 2009, while some people were fighting against the struggle for the actualisation of the enthronement and appointment of Benin vice-chancellor, we took it and an inevitable struggle to ensure that the first Benin man emerged and vice chancellor who was Prof. Osayuki Oshodin.

“We also have a nod for the appointment of the outgoing VC, Prof.Lilian Imuetinyan Salami. Therefore, if the outgoing VC’s predecessors had destroyed our foundation, it would have been difficult for her, a Benin woman, to emerge as the VC of the University of Benin.

“We, the leadership and stakeholders of Benin United Forum, want to humbly use this medium to appeal to our God’s King on Earth, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, to call her anti-Benin agenda, which might lead to anarchy in the Ivory tower University.”

A WhatsApp message was sent to the public relations officer, PRO, Mrs Benedicta Ehanire, who responded, “Please, I can’t react to the rumour. Good afternoon.”