In the application, filed on January 20, 2025, Odoh is requesting the court to halt any actions regarding the reconstitution of the university's council and to restrain the newly appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, from continuing in his role. Odoh's legal team argues that his removal was unlawful, and they are seeking an interim injunction to maintain the status quo until the matter is fully determined in court.
The dispute follows the announcement by President Bola Tinubu on November 20, 2024, dissolving the governing council of UNIZIK and removing Odoh and the registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, from their positions. Odoh, who is also a former Secretary to the State Government of Ebonyi State, claims that the process of his removal did not follow due legal procedures.
The lawsuit, marked No: FHC/ABJ/CS/82/2025, also seeks to prevent any further action regarding the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor until the court renders its decision. Odoh’s legal team, led by Prof. Chimezie Kingsley Okorie, SAN, and other lawyers, is pushing for urgent intervention to prevent further actions that could affect the outcome of the case.
The hearing date for the application has not yet been set. This case is one of several legal actions regarding the management and leadership of UNIZIK, with significant implications for the university and its governance structure.
Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding legal battle.
