Former N.C. Central University vice chancellor for administration and finance, Benjamin Durant, filed a lawsuit against NCCU Chancellor Johnson Akinleye, who was installed in his position April 19.
Just two days before the installation ceremony, Durant filed the suit alleging he was wrongfully terminated by Akinleye and seeking damages.
Durant was employed at NCCU as of October 2014 and terminated from his position Jan. 31.
Durant was told he was terminated because of a change in the strategic direction of the division and administration of finance, Durant’s attorney Katie Abernethy said.
Durant alleged in the lawsuit that his termination was actually due to his objection to the misappropriation of state funds that was used to purchase Akinleye a luxury SUV. He also claims that it was due to his reporting the misconduct of Akinleye and two members of the UNC Board of Governors in respect to a multimillion dollar development contract for the school.
The lawsuit is filed against Akinleye in both his professional and personal capacity as well as against NCCU.
Durant is now seeking compensation for his losses under the North Carolina Whistleblower Act and common law as well as full reinstatement and back pay.
According to the lawsuit, Akinleye requested the school give him a SUV with Bluetooth technology a few weeks after his appointment in June 2017. He was given a new Nissan Pathfinder, leased from the State Motor Pool.
In October, he requested the car be replaced with a GMC Yukon Denali with features like black exterior, leather interior and Bluetooth technology.