UNILAG VC Ogunsola Gives NaijaOnPoint 48-Hour Ultimatum, Demands ₦1 Billion

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to online news platform NaijaOnPoint over a publication she considers defamatory. Through her solicitors, Bayo Osipitan & Co., Ogunsola accused the platform of publishing allegations that allegedly linked her administration to financial misconduct at the institution. The disputed report claimed that university staff received ₦397 million in irregular payments, while approximately ₦434 million in cash advances remained unretired. The Vice-Chancellor is demanding ₦1 billion in compensation over what her legal representatives described as false and damaging allegations.

In a cease-and-desist letter addressed to the platform’s Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Ogunsola’s lawyers argued that the publication created the impression that she was involved in or knowingly permitted financial impropriety at the university. They maintained that the report portrayed her as a dishonest administrator presiding over an institution allegedly affected by widespread financial misconduct. The legal team insisted that the Vice-Chancellor neither authorised, participated in nor knowingly facilitated any criminal activity or financial irregularities, adding that she strongly rejected the allegations against her.

The lawyers have demanded that NaijaOnPoint immediately remove the disputed publication from its website and all social media platforms under its control. They also requested an unequivocal public retraction and apology, insisting that the apology should receive the same level of prominence as the original report. Additionally, the platform has been asked to provide a written undertaking not to republish the allegations and to take necessary measures to prevent their further circulation. The solicitors warned that failure to comply within 48 hours of receiving the letter would result in legal proceedings against the organisation and other individuals considered responsible.

The ₦1 billion compensation demand comprises ₦500 million in general damages and another ₦500 million in exemplary damages. Ogunsola’s legal representatives are also seeking a declaration that the publication is defamatory, an order compelling its removal and a permanent injunction against further publication of the disputed claims. While acknowledging the importance of investigative journalism and public scrutiny of government-funded institutions, the lawyers stressed that media organisations must distinguish between verified facts and unproven allegations. The dispute has renewed discussions about media responsibility, press freedom, accountability and the importance of accuracy when reporting alleged financial misconduct involving public institutions.