According to Professor Dode, the incident began on Monday when his wife had an altercation with the HOD over the number of copies submitted.
A Nigerian professor, Robert Dode, has denied allegations that he physically assaulted the Acting Head of the Department (HOD) of Psychology at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, insisting that he only visited the HOD to seek clarification after his wife reported being verbally abused.
The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) said the disagreement stemmed from a workplace dispute involving his wife, who works in the department, and the HOD over the submission of computer sheets.
According to Professor Dode, the incident began on Monday when his wife had an altercation with the HOD over the number of copies submitted.
He said his wife told him that the HOD questioned why she submitted four copies of the sheets instead of eight, to which she responded jokingly, saying, "HOD you know these things are not easy, it's money".
Professor Dode said the comment allegedly angered the HOD, who responded by verbally abusing his wife.
“He called her names such as stupid and stinking woman,” Dode said, citing his wife’s account.
He explained that he was unaware of the confrontation until Tuesday, during a university meeting where he noticed his wife’s absence.
“I had seen that my wife had a sober mood since Monday and she didn't open up but when I didn't see her at the meeting, after the meeting, I went home to ask what is happening. I have been married to her for twenty-eight years with five children and three grandchildren and I cannot ignore her mood. When I spoke to her, she explained to me what happend with the HOD and that the HOD called her names including threats that he would deal with her in the University and my wife left when the HOD was almost harassing her.”
Professor Dode said that due to his long-standing cordial relationship with the HOD, he decided to visit him on Wednesday morning to hear his version of events.
He said the visit took place during his routine morning walk around campus.
“I went to his house because he has been to my house and I have been to his. I usually jog in the morning around the campus, so very early, I went to his house in the morning atleast to hear what happened from him. He denied calling my wife names and told me that it was submission of sheets that led to the issue and I told him that I am aware.”
According to Dode, after the HOD denied insulting his wife, he cautioned him against speaking disrespectfully to women.
“After his denial, I told him that no problem, and said even if he said so, he shouldn't talk down on any woman whether my wife or any other person. And I said this as a brother because he has been to my house before, brought wine and Kola.”
He said tensions rose when the HOD accused his wife of dishonesty.
“He then said I shouldn't believe my wife that she is a perpetual liar and started raising his voice, I told him that he said he didn't call my wife names or threaten to deal with her on campus but just called her perpetual liar. There is nothing wrong in me getting to know what happened.”
Professor Dode stated that the exchange occurred in the presence of the HOD’s family members and neighbours and that he left immediately when the HOD began shouting.
“Even his neighbours and family were outside. When I saw that he started shouting, I left and even his neighbours were waving at me, saying daddy bye bye because they all know me.”
He expressed shock over reports alleging that he physically assaulted the HOD, describing the claims as false.
“I was surprised to read on our group that I beat him up and then suddenly on SaharaReporters. I didn't want to comment because already, he reported me and it was administrative issue and i was careful because I dont want to go against the school laws.”
Professor Dode maintained that at no point did he assault the HOD and insisted that his visit was solely to understand the situation after the HOD denied insulting his wife.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Prof. Robert Dode, allegedly attacked and physically assaulted the Acting Head of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Augustine Ejiroghene Ebiai (an Associate Professor).
The assault reportedly took place on Wednesday at the official residence of the Acting HoD and has been widely condemned by members of the university’s academic community.
Narrating the incident, a lecturer who witnessed the altercation but spoke on condition of anonymity had claimed that the assault occurred at about 7am on Wednesday at the HoD’s residence.