A dramatic scene unfolded at the residence of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday as staff and students prevented an attempt by policemen to arrest him. The Vice-Chancellor informed journalists that the policemen arrived at his official residence around 6:10 am. Initially, he declined to come out, unsure if the men were genuine police officers, and sought to establish the reason for their presence.
According to Prof. Ogunwole, the police team claimed to have a warrant for the arrest, but he insisted on being properly informed of the basis of the arrest before leaving the house. The Vice-Chancellor linked the development to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola.
The dispute arose from an audio recording that had leaked, prompting the university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee to explain its contents. The matter had subsequently gone to court, and Prof. Ogunwole had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats to his life and workplace. He instructed his lawyers to approach the police to explain that the matter was already before the court and that he was available to respond to any lawful invitation.
The Director of Public Affairs and Communication at FUOYE, Dr. Sunday Saanu, described the police action as mischievous, stating that the Vice-Chancellor had earlier honored a police invitation regarding a spurious petition written by some elements in the system. Dr. Saanu expressed shock at seeing the police at the Vice-Chancellor's residence, saying they needed him.
The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union was at the residence to oppose what he described as attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor. The union and the university community showed solidarity with Prof. Ogunwole, gathering at his residence to oppose the alleged arrest attempt by the policemen.
Prof. Ogunwole addressed workers on Wednesday, stating that his administration would not be distracted by the noise in the marketplace. According to him, "This is a passing phase. FUOYE will rise beyond the current resistance of the forces of darkness." The Vice-Chancellor emphasized his resolve to create a new face for FUOYE, saying, "There is no turning back. Our mission is to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute."
The incident highlights the challenges faced by the FUOYE administration under Prof. Ogunwole's leadership. The Vice-Chancellor's stance on the matter and the show of support from the university community suggest a determination to navigate the current difficulties and move the institution forward. The situation remains a subject of interest for stakeholders in the education sector and the broader community.
Key points
- Staff and students of FUOYE prevented an attempt by policemen to arrest the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, at his Ado-Ekiti residence.
- The attempt was linked to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law.
- The Vice-Chancellor and the university community have shown solidarity and resolve to navigate the challenges and move the institution forward.
