By Nnamdi Amandi
In the heart of Igbo land, where education stands as a proud pillar of progress, a long-brewing battle has come to the surface—one that threatens to stain the reputation of a beloved institution and leave a trail of disappointment for those who worked tirelessly to ensure its success.
Chief Romanus Ezeonwuka, affectionately known as Rojenny and the owner of Ranent Industries Ltd, is locked in a fierce struggle to reclaim what is rightfully his: a property surreptitiously hijacked by Tansian University. The university owes Chief Ezeonwuka and Ranent Industries Ltd a substantial sum of N83 million in unpaid rents for the use of the property. However, Tansian University, founded by the late Msgr. Prof. John Bosco Akam has repeatedly denied this debt and, through a series of legal missteps, has sought to rewrite history and ignore binding agreements.
To understand the depth of the betrayal, it is important to reflect on the significant role that Chief Romanus Ezeonwuka played in the establishment of Tansian University. The documentation submitted to the National Universities Commission (NUC) reveals the initial ownership structure of the university: Missionary Servants of the Church (MST) as Founder; Msgr. John Bosco Akam as Facilitator; Chief Romanus Ezeonwuka as Financier; Nze Ralph Obiora as Director of Works and Physical Development; and Prof. M.O.C. Morah as Director of Academic Programmes.
Ezeonwuka brought his vast property, belonging to Ranent Industries Ltd, as his equity in the university’s ownership to serve as the take-off campus of the institution. Together, these individuals played a pivotal role in the creation of Tansian University.
When the university was still in its infancy, Chief Ezeonwuka, along with other prominent Igbo sons, invested millions of naira to obtain the university’s license. They committed their financial resources because they believed in the university’s potential to contribute positively to the Southeast educational landscape. Yet, once the license was secured, a shocking turn of events unfolded.
Chief Ezeonwuka and his fellow investors were systematically shut out of the ownership structure of the university. Msgr. Akam, after securing the university’s license, closed the door on the very people who had helped bring it into existence, denying them their rightful equity stake—despite their considerable investments of both money and time.
Notable figures such as Chief Nze Ralph Obiora, Chief Sam Obaji, Dr. Eloka Menakaya, Dr. Andy Uba, and Chief Vincent Ofolebe were among those cruelly excluded. These men had invested millions of naira, not for personal gain, but to ensure that the university would thrive and bring educational opportunities to their people. Yet, despite their substantial investments, they were unceremoniously shut out, and to this day, none of them has been compensated or reimbursed for their investments—a glaring injustice that continues to be ignored by Tansian University’s leadership.
However, after an ownership tussle, it was resolved that Chief Ezeonwuka’s property—his equity in the institution—should be returned to him. In exchange for the return of his property, Chief Ezeonwuka agreed to forfeit his stake in the university, allowing it to continue operating and relocating to its permanent site in Umunya. The agreement stipulated that Tansian University would pay him rent for the use of his property for 25 years.
This ongoing dispute is not merely about money; it is about trust, integrity, and the proper upholding of legal commitments. Chief Ezeonwuka’s case has become a symbol of the struggles faced by businesspeople who, despite their contributions to education and society, are taken advantage of by those in positions of power.
The core of the issue lies in an agreement signed between Ranent Industries Ltd and Tansian University, wherein the university agreed to pay N10 million annually for the use of the Oba campus property. Yet, the university has withheld these payments for several years, prompting Chief Ezeonwuka to take legal action. The result has been an unrelenting campaign of denial and deception from Tansian University’s leadership.
The dispute traces back to 2010 when Tansian University and Ranent Industries Ltd entered into a legal agreement to formalize the use of the property. On October 26, 2010, a Consent Judgment was issued by the High Court of Anambra State, sitting in Ogidi, which clearly outlined the terms under which Tansian University could use the property. The judgment was signed by key representatives of both parties: Msgr. Prof. John Bosco Akam, the Chancellor of Tansian University, and Prof. Nduka Uraih, the then Vice-Chancellor of the university; as well as Chief Romanus Ezeonwuka and Mr Anikwe Ejike Emma for Ranent Industries Ltd. Several respected witnesses also signed the judgment, including Elijah Sende (then Chief Security Officer of Tansian University), Anike Ogbecha (a staff member), Chief J.E. Ifedonsi, and Mr Linus Ochey.
The terms of the agreement were clear: Tansian University was to pay an annual honorarium of N10 million for the use of the property for 25 years—from October 1, 2010, to September 30, 2035. This honorarium was subject to a review every five years, with any increase in payment not exceeding 50% of the existing sum. Additionally, an initial N23.1 million payment was made by Tansian University, which was to be spread across the first ten years of the agreement.
For several years, Tansian University adhered to the terms of the agreement, with the honorarium being paid without issue. However, approximately six years ago, Fr. Edwin Obiora allegedly convinced Msgr. Akam to stop paying, claiming that he could reverse the Consent Judgment. This marked the beginning of a prolonged legal battle, with Fr. Obiora seeking to reverse the judgment. Despite his efforts, the court denied his claims, ordering the university to vacate the property and sell off university assets to pay the debt owed to Chief Ezeonwuka.
This decision was appealed by Fr. Obiora, resulting in a legal battle that lasted nearly eight years. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Chief Ezeonwuka and Ranent Industries Ltd, reaffirming the validity of the Consent Judgment and ordering the university to pay the debt owed.
Fr. Obiora’s role in this dispute has raised several questions about his legitimacy within the university. Critics argue that having no original involvement in the founding of the university, he entered as an “imposter” and used his position as a priest to mislead the institution. His actions have been seen as a betrayal of the university’s founding principles and an attempt to undermine the agreements that had been made.
Despite these legal victories, Tansian University has continued to defy the court’s orders. The university even went so far as to grant interviews to the media, falsely denying the debt owed to Chief Ezeonwuka and attempting to discredit the facts. This reckless behaviour not only undermines Chief Ezeonwuka’s character and reputation but also disrespects the very foundations of justice and accountability.
In addition to denying the debt, Tansian University has made false claims regarding the ownership of the property that houses the Oba campus. The university’s management has suggested that the property was sold outright to the Missionary Servants of the Church or Asia Allied Commerce. However, these claims are entirely unfounded and represent an attempt to obfuscate the facts surrounding the property’s ownership.
The truth, as outlined in the Consent Judgment and supported by the court’s rulings, is that the property was never sold to any entity, including the Missionary Servants of the Church or Asia Allied Commerce. The property remains the rightful property of Chief Romanus Ezeonwuka and Ranent Industries Ltd. Any suggestion to the contrary is an attempt to distort the facts and evade the legal and financial obligations that Tansian University has towards Chief Ezeonwuka.
This ongoing battle is about more than recovering unpaid rent; it’s about restoring trust, ensuring accountability, and upholding the integrity of agreements in both business and education. The actions of Tansian University’s leadership have damaged the institution’s reputation and undermined the faith that investors like Chief Ezeonwuka placed in it.
The integrity of educational institutions is crucial. When they fail to honour legal and moral obligations, it casts doubt on their credibility and tarnishes their reputation. If Tansian University, founded with the help of Chief Ezeonwuka and others, cannot honour its debts and agreements, what does that say about the institution?
Chief Ezeonwuka has remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice. He has not sought revenge; he simply seeks what is rightfully his—the payment of the debt owed for the use of his property. He calls on the Cardinal Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke, and the Chancellor, Senator Sir Dr Victor Umeh, to fulfil their moral and legal obligations and settle the debt. By doing so, Tansian University can restore its reputation and demonstrate that it respects the law and values its partners.
The time for Tansian University to pay the debt is now. Anything less would be an affront to fairness and integrity. The truth cannot be denied, and the debt must be paid.
The time has come for Tansian University to honour its obligations and rebuild the trust it has lost. It must act now to restore its integrity, fulfil its debts, and pave the way for a brighter, more transparent future.
