A Nigerian entrepreneur, Cynthia Tooley, has emerged as a central figure in the suspension of the University of Buckingham Vice Chancellor, Professor James Tooley, over allegations of a controversial overseas relationship.
Tooley, who denies the allegations, was suspended from his £229,000-a-year role in October following accusations linked to a romantic involvement with a 25-year-old Indian woman, reports UK’s Daily Mail on Thursday
Cynthia reportedly raised the alarm by submitting the young woman’s diaries, which detailed the alleged relationship, to university authorities.
The mother of two was said to have married the British academic in February 2022 after a whirlwind romance.
However, the couple reportedly separated during the summer, leading to a breakdown in their relationship and communication via lawyers.
The controversy began on October 11, when Cynthia alerted the university about the alleged relationship.
This prompted an emergency meeting, resulting in the professor’s suspension and the launch of an independent inquiry into the claims.
In addition to the allegations about the relationship, Cynthia reportedly accused her estranged husband of possessing a “suspicious object” at his official residence.
Police were called to the property and removed a junior air rifle, but no further investigation followed.
University authorities confirmed the suspension in a letter to students, stating that “serious allegations” had been made against the vice-chancellor.
The letter emphasised that an independent inquiry was underway to verify the claims.
Through his lawyers, Tooley described the allegations as “baseless and malicious,” expressing confidence in being vindicated.
He refrained from further comments, citing the ongoing investigation.
The Indian woman at the centre of the allegations defended Tooley, saying, “He was kind and thoughtful and always treated me with respect. Anyone who reads my diaries can see I was in love with him.”
She clarified that the relationship began when she was 25 and insisted that there was no illegal conduct.
The University of Buckingham has appointed an interim leadership team, including Chief Financial Officer David Cole, Chief Administrative Officer Chris Payne, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Harriet Dunbar-Morris, to oversee operations during the investigation.
Cynthia, who once resided with Tooley at Ondaatje Hall, the Vice Chancellor’s official residence, has since moved out.
The couple’s fallout has drawn significant media attention, given their high-profile roles and publicised relationship.