A Lagos High Court has issued a restraining order against the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, the management of the University of Lagos, Akoka, and others involved in a leadership dispute within the school’s chapter.
The presiding judge, Justice Ismaila Ijelu, delivered the order in a case marked No. YSD/6531MJR/2925.
The plaintiffs in this case include Comrade Gbenga Adenaiya and six others, while the defendants consist of Comrade Yusuf Ademola Rasaq, the University of Lagos, and six additional parties.
This legal action arose from a conflict between rival factions vying for SSANU leadership of the University of Lagos chapter of the union.
The court reached its decision after reviewing motions filed ex parte, along with supporting affidavits and exhibits, as well as the oral arguments presented by the claimants’ counsel, human rights lawyer Chief Ajose Abẹjoye, and Olúwaṣeun Ikumelo.In consideration of the plaintiffs’ submissions, the court granted a hearing for the motion to take place during the court’s vacation period.
The judge ordered that “all parties must maintain the status quo and refrain from taking any actions that could undermine the authority of the court in any way.”
The court also ordered that all activities related to the proposed SSANU election be suspended until the matter is resolved.
Justice Ijelu emphasised the need to maintain the status quo ante bellum, indicating that “parties involved in the case must not act in a way that could create a fait accompli or prejudice the court’s decision.
The case has been adjourned until October 24, 2025, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Reporting by Wahab Akinlade