Professor Robert Dode, a Nigerian academic from Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba, has vehemently denied accusations that he physically assaulted the Acting Head of the Department (HOD) of Psychology, Dr. Augustine Ejiroghene Ebiai. Instead, he explains that his visit to the HOD’s residence was to seek clarification after his wife, a staff member in the department, reported being verbally mistreated.

The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) stated that the conflict began when his wife had a disagreement with the HOD regarding the submission of computer sheets. On Monday, his wife submitted four copies of the required sheets, but the HOD insisted that she submit eight. According to Professor Dode, his wife jokingly responded to the HOD’s query by saying, “HOD, you know these things are not easy, it’s money.” This light-hearted remark, however, allegedly angered the HOD, who proceeded to verbally abuse her, calling her offensive names like “stupid” and “stinking woman,” based on Professor Dode’s account of his wife’s experience.

Professor Dode stated that he was unaware of the situation until Tuesday when he noticed his wife’s change in demeanor and her absence at a university meeting. He said, “I have been married to her for 28 years, with five children and three grandchildren. I couldn’t ignore her mood.” Upon asking her what happened, his wife explained the incident with the HOD, including how he threatened to “deal with her” at the university, which prompted her to leave when she felt harassed.

Determined to understand the full story, Professor Dode visited the HOD on Wednesday morning during his regular campus jog. He explained that he and the HOD had a longstanding cordial relationship, and he often visited the HOD’s residence, just as the HOD had visited his in the past.

During their conversation, the HOD denied calling Professor Dode’s wife any derogatory names, attributing the dispute instead to the number of sheets submitted. However, Professor Dode emphasized that he had already been made aware of the situation. He told the HOD that while he did not condone such behavior, he advised him to always treat women with respect, whether it be his wife or any other woman, noting their shared history of friendship.

The conversation took a turn when the HOD allegedly called Professor Dode’s wife a “perpetual liar.” This accusation reportedly caused tension between the two, with Professor Dode defending his wife and explaining that he had a right to understand what had happened. He also mentioned that the exchange occurred in front of the HOD’s family and neighbors, who were present at the time.

When the situation escalated and the HOD began shouting, Professor Dode decided to leave. According to him, the neighbors waved him off in a friendly manner, showing their support.

Professor Dode was shocked when reports surfaced suggesting he had physically assaulted the HOD. He strongly refuted these claims, expressing disbelief over the allegations. “I was surprised to read that I beat him up. I didn’t want to comment because the matter had already been reported, and I wanted to follow the university’s procedures,” he said. “I did not assault the HOD at any point.”

Earlier, SaharaReporters had reported that Professor Dode allegedly attacked Dr. Ebiai, with eyewitnesses claiming the assault occurred at about 7 am on Wednesday at the HOD’s residence. This incident has sparked widespread condemnation within the academic community of Dennis Osadebay University.