A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), in Ekiti State, Nigeria, on Wednesday, as students and staff prevented an alleged police attempt to arrest the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole. According to Mr. Ogunwole, police officers arrived at his official residence around 3 a.m. and were met with resistance from members of the university community. The VC addressed journalists at his residence in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, recounting the events of the night.
Mr. Ogunwole revealed that his children woke him up after noticing security personnel around his house, prompting him to raise an alarm. The alarm drew the attention of academic and non-academic staff and students, who gathered in solidarity with him and resisted the alleged arrest. Initially, the VC declined to come out, unsure if the men were genuine police officers, and sought to know the basis for the arrest. The police team later claimed to have a warrant, but Mr. Ogunwole insisted on being properly informed.
The Vice-Chancellor linked the development to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Kehinde Adeola. The dispute arose from an audio recording that allegedly leaked, prompting the university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee. The matter had subsequently gone to court, with Mr. Ogunwole also petitioning the Inspector-General of Police over threats to his life and workplace.
Mr. Ogunwole instructed his lawyers to approach the police, explaining that the matter was already before the court and that he was available to respond to any lawful invitation. He recalled previously honouring a police invitation in connection with an earlier petition, appearing with his lawyers and being questioned from morning till evening before being released on self-recognisance. The VC expressed his belief that the latest development could have been handled through a formal invitation rather than surrounding his residence.
The Vice-Chancellor remained confident in the rule of law and vowed to continue with his administration's plans to reposition the university. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, promised to call back to speak on the matter but had not done so as of the report. FUOYE's Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Sunday Saanu, described the police action as mischievous, saying Mr. Ogunwole had earlier honoured the police invitation on account of a spurious petition.
Mr. Saanu quoted the VC as saying that his administration would not be distracted by the noise in the marketplace. The VC addressed workers on Wednesday, stating that FUOYE would rise beyond the current resistance of the forces of darkness. The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union was at the residence to oppose attempts to intimidate the vice-chancellor, alleging that some individuals entrenched in the university's previous administration opposed changes being introduced by Mr. Ogunwole.
The incident has sparked concerns about the security and stability of the university. Key stakeholders, including students, staff, and the university administration, are watching the situation closely. The Vice-Chancellor's ability to continue his duties without further disruptions remains uncertain.
Key points
- The police attempt to arrest the Vice-Chancellor was resisted by students and staff.
- The dispute is linked to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university.
- The Vice-Chancellor remains confident in the rule of law and vows to continue with his administration's plans.
