Drama as staff, students rally over police attempt to arrest FUOYE VC

Staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti FUOYE, gathered at the official residence of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, early Wednesday after policemen reportedly arrived to arrest him.

The incident occurred in Ado-Ekiti and drew academic and non-academic staff, as well as students. The university community gathered to show support for the Vice-Chancellor.

Ogunwole said the officers arrived around 6:10am after he went to bed at about 3am.

According to him, his children alerted him after they saw security personnel around the residence.

He said he remained inside because he could not confirm whether the men were genuine police officers. He also wanted to know why they had come.

The Vice-Chancellor said the officers later told him they had an arrest warrant.

He said he would not leave the residence without knowing the reason for the proposed arrest.

Ogunwole linked the incident to a petition allegedly filed by people connected to the university.

He named his predecessor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and former Faculty of Law Dean, Dr Kehinde Adeola, among those allegedly involved.

He said the dispute concerned an allegedly leaked audio recording.

According to Ogunwole, the university management had asked those involved to appear before an investigative committee and explain the contents of the recording.

The Vice-Chancellor said the matter later went to court. He added that he had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats to his life and workplace.

Ogunwole said his lawyers contacted the police and explained that the case was already before the court.

He added that he remained available to honour any lawful invitation.

“Someone of my standing has no reason to run away. Instead of surrounding my residence, there are proper ways to invite me,” he said.

He also said his administration would continue with its plans to reform the university.

“There is no going back. We are determined to give FUOYE a new direction. Our mission remains clear, and we will not be diverted,” Ogunwole said.

The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, Dr Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union mobilised after learning about the reported police action.

Fagbuagun alleged that some people linked to the previous administration opposed Ogunwole’s reforms.

He also alleged irregularities involving promotions and the management of university funds.

However, he did not provide evidence to support the claims during his interaction with journalists.

Fagbuagun further accused former Vice-Chancellor Fasina of using police petitions to resolve disputes.

He said such disputes should instead go through internal university channels.

The allegations could not be independently verified.

The FUOYE branch chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists NAAT, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, also spoke in support of the Vice-Chancellor.

Babafemi said members joined the gathering to protect what he described as peace and progress under the current administration.

He said Ogunwole had remained accessible to staff and paid attention to their welfare.

The NAAT chairman added that the association did not want anything that could disrupt the university.

Similarly, the FUOYE branch secretary of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions NASU, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said members received information about the police presence.

He said the union then mobilised to the Vice-Chancellor’s residence to show solidarity with him.

FUOYE Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Dr Sunday Saanu, criticised the police action.

He described it as “mischievous” and said Ogunwole had previously honoured a police invitation.

Saanu said the Vice-Chancellor later instructed his lawyers to represent him in the matter.

“It was therefore shocking to see the police at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, saying they needed him,” Saanu said.

Speaking to workers later on Wednesday, Ogunwole urged them not to allow the incident to distract the university.

“This is only a passing phase. FUOYE will rise above the current resistance,” he said.