The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has threatened legal action against online news platform NaijaOnPoint over a publication alleging financial irregularities involving university staff.
Ogunsola, through her legal representatives, Bayo Osipitan & Co., issued a 48-hour demand notice to the platform, accusing it of publishing false and defamatory claims that damaged her personal and professional reputation.
The disputed report alleged that UNILAG staff received N397 million in irregular payments, while N434 million in cash advances remained unretired.
In a letter addressed to the platform’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, the vice-chancellor’s lawyers argued that the publication portrayed her as a dishonest administrator who tolerated or facilitated financial misconduct at the institution.
The legal team, however, maintained that Ogunsola had neither engaged in, authorised, participated in nor knowingly facilitated any criminal activity or financial impropriety.
While acknowledging the importance of investigative journalism and public scrutiny of government-funded institutions, the lawyers insisted that allegations must be properly verified before being presented as established facts.
Consequently, they demanded that NaijaOnPoint immediately remove the disputed report from its website and all social media platforms under its control.
The lawyers also requested an unequivocal public retraction and apology to the vice-chancellor, insisting that the apology should receive visibility comparable to that of the original publication.
Other demands include a written undertaking not to republish or circulate the allegations and a commitment to take appropriate measures to prevent their further distribution.
The legal representatives warned that failure to comply within 48 hours of receiving the notice would result in civil proceedings against the media organisation and other individuals considered responsible for the publication.
Ogunsola is seeking N1 billion in damages, comprising N500 million in general damages and another N500 million in exemplary damages.
Her lawyers are also seeking a court declaration that the publication is defamatory, an order compelling its removal and a perpetual injunction restraining further circulation of the allegations.
They further indicated that the matter could be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.
As of the time of the report, there was no indication that NaijaOnPoint had complied with the demands or issued a formal response to the legal notice.
