‘Unlawful!’ Obafemi Awolowo University Workers Sue Management Over Alleged Mass Termination

Over 500 former staff members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, have taken legal action against the institution, alleging unlawful termination of their employment.

Represented by their lawyer, Sola Ojutalayo, the claimants are seeking reinstatement and payment of outstanding entitlements.

The dispute, currently before the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, highlights claims that the employees were employed between October and December 2022 but dismissed abruptly on January 31, 2024, without due process or explanation.

Court Proceedings and Evidence Presented
During the hearing on Tuesday, the claimants presented four exhibits to substantiate their claims, including documents that detailed their employment terms and unpaid salaries.

One of the claimants, Samson Ogunleye, took the stand as a witness and testified that his employment was not on probation and that he had not received any salary from the date of his employment until the termination.

When cross-examined, Ogunleye stated,

“The hospital management provided no explanation for the termination of my employment or that of my colleagues.” He added that he was unaware of any waivers granted to other employees by the head of service.

The respondent’s counsel, Ejike Orji, raised objections to the admissibility of two of the exhibits, citing their unsigned status. However, Ojutalayo countered, arguing that Orji had reviewed only the first pages of the documents, missing the signatures on subsequent pages.

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Justice John Peters, in his ruling, admitted the exhibits as evidence, noting they were appropriately signed and directly relevant to the case. He confirmed that the documents outlined the claimants’ employment terms and outstanding payments.

Claims and Demands
The former employees argue that the termination was unjustified and violated labor laws, demanding their reinstatement and payment of all owed salaries and entitlements. The claimants, including individuals like Samson Awosope, Olufemi Falope, and Omowumi Fayemi, have collectively expressed discontent over the manner of their disengagement.

Court Adjournment
Justice Peters adjourned the case to February 11, allowing both parties additional time to prepare and present further arguments and evidence.

Wider Implications
The case raises significant questions about employment practices in public institutions, particularly regarding adherence to labor laws and due process in employee relations. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for labor rights and institutional accountability in Nigeria.

As the legal proceedings continue, the claimants remain resolute in their pursuit of justice, emphasizing the need for fairness and adherence to established employment standards.