BeDU describes BUF outbursts against outgoing University of Benin Vice Chancellor as unfortunate, unintelligent 

By OGB Joseph, Abuja

Following the move to succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Great University of Benin, the Benin Development Union, BeDU has described the attempt by Benin United Forum, BUF to soil the name and reputation of Professor Lilian Imuetinyan Salami as unfortunate and unintelligent.

In a rejoinder signed by Dr. Franklin Omorowa Ikuobase Director, Media and Publicity, Benin Development Union (BeDU) explaining that the process for the succession of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin is grounded in law, ethics, credibility and merit, saying it is unfathomable that any unintelligent ethnic jingoistic tendencies could be weaved into its buildup.

Omorowa said: ” The press conference purportedly made by the Benin United Forum (BUF) can only be described as the desperate outbursts of an unwholesome usurper seeking undeserving recognition in a matter that is both sensitive and significant to Edo community’s sustainable academic pinnacle. The process for the succession of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin is grounded in law, ethics credibility and merit, and it is unfathomable that any unintelligent ethnic jingoistic tendencies could be weaved into its buildup, or mischievous antics being launched at the outgoing Vice Chancellor with a view to derail such a merit-proof exercise.

” It is important to note that the Benin Development Union with the backing of our esteemed Royal Father, Oba Erediauwa Uku Akpolokpolo, CFR, alongside other critical stakeholders in  Edo State, was instrumental in the struggle that led to the historic appointment of the 1st host community indigenous Vice Chancellor – the late Emeritus Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin in September 2009.

” Our commitment to ensuring that the leadership of the University of Benin reflects the values and aspirations of our people was absolutely dogged, and unwavering. Our militancy was firmly founded on the 37 years exclusion of our sons and daughters who were eminently qualified professors. By providence and cooperation of other ethnic groups in the University, three professors of Benin extraction have had the plump job back to back and back in 2009, 2014, and 2019 consecutively.

” So, it is absolutely unreasonable to tout ethnic jingoistic sentiments any further, Edo born academicians and other professors from any ethnic background must be encouraged to participate unhindered and without any form of molestation. As a matter of fact, two professors of Benin extraction succeeded one another in the Vice Chancellorship of the Edo State Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma.

”  So, every Nigerian Professor regardless of senatorial district in Edo State or any geopolitical zone of Nigeria is eminently qualified and must be seen to be encouraged eminently to apply for the Federal Government university. No unhinged minds under the guise of sociocultural architecture would be allowed to sow any scaremongering tendency in this process, they are here and now rebuked by rational Edo men and women, as well as our ancestors”, he stated.

BeDU added further that the outbursts of the Benin United Forum, BUF, can be likened to the Shakespearean fools, full of sound and fury yet signifying nothing.

” The rantings of the so-called Benin United Forum can be likened to the Shakespearean fools—full of sound and fury, yet signifying nothing. Their attempts to label the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Lilian Imuetinyan Salami, as pursuing an “anti-Benin agenda” are not only baseless but reveal a profound misunderstanding or inability to comprehend the proactive stakeholders collaborative efforts that have shaped the university’s leadership over the years.

” We urge all stakeholders to remain focused on the principles of integrity, credentials , capacity and fairness that guide the selection process for the next Vice-Chancellor, rather than succumbing to divisive rhetoric by some unhinged elements. Let us stand united in our pursuit of excellence for the University of Benin and the greater good of the Edo nation as a whole”, the statement said.