AUTHORITIES at the University of Benin in Edo State are suing the state government over what the institution perceives as threats by the latter to evict its staff from their homes in the city of Benin.
The properties, occupied by staff of the university, were reportedly donated to the institution in 1974 by the Samuel Ogbemudia administration. Back then, the current University of Benin was known as the Mid-West Institute of Tachnology.
According to the university, its workers had been under threat of eviction by the state government since the inception of the current Oshiomole Administration.
When the suit came up for hearing on Monday, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen adjourned the matter to March 22nd to enable counsels to both the state and the institution exchange pleadings on issues to be determined in court.
The judge also advised both parties to maintain the status-quo, adding that the motion on notice by the claimants should be kept in abeyance while their counsel should concentrate on accelerated hearing of the suit.
“There is no need to dissipate energy on the motion of interlocutory injunction.
“Both parties should exchange pleadings within three days on issues for determination,” she said.
She ruled after the arguments by counsel to the claimants, Chief Kolawole Okeaya- Inneh (SAN), and Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN), the counsel for the state government, on the issue.