An attempt by the police to unlawfully arrest the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, was foiled by members of the university community, including academic, non-academic staff, and students. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the Vice-Chancellor raised an alarm that some policemen had surrounded his residence in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital. The community quickly mobilized to the Vice-Chancellor's residence to prevent the alleged arrest.
According to Prof. Ogunwole, the policemen arrived at his official residence around 6:10 am, shortly after he had gone to bed. His children woke him up after noticing the security personnel around the house. Initially, he declined to come out because he was unsure if they were genuine police officers and wanted to establish the reason for their presence. The police team later claimed to have a warrant of arrest, but Ogunwole insisted that he would not leave the house without being properly informed of the basis of the arrest.
The Vice-Chancellor believes the attempt to arrest him is connected to a petition allegedly written by some individuals in the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola. The petition is related to an audio recording that Ogunwole allegedly leaked, prompting the university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee. The matter has since gone to court, and Ogunwole has also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over threats to his life and workplace.
Ogunwole stated that he had 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. He recalled that he had previously honored 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-recognizance. The Vice-Chancellor expressed his belief that the latest development could have been handled through a formal invitation rather than surrounding his residence.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, remains confident in the rule of law and will continue with his administration's plans to reposition the university. "There is no turning back," he said. "Our mission to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute." Ogunwole also expressed his appreciation for the support of the university community, saying that he was not surprised by the show of solidarity.
Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, the FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), also spoke at the event, saying that the union was at the residence to oppose what he described as attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor. Fagbuagun alleged that some individuals who had been entrenched in the university's previous administration were opposed to Ogunwole's leadership and were trying to undermine his authority.
The incident has raised concerns about the security and stability of the university, but the Vice-Chancellor and the university community remain resolute in their determination to move forward with their plans. The matter is currently before the court, and Ogunwole has expressed his willingness to cooperate with any lawful investigation. The university community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Key points
- The police attempt to arrest FUOYE Vice Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole was foiled by the university community.
- The incident is believed to be connected to a petition allegedly written by some individuals in the university.
- The Vice-Chancellor remains confident in the rule of law and will continue with his administration's plans to reposition the university.
