Drama unfolded in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday as staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), foiled an attempt to arrest the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole. The Vice-Chancellor had raised an alarm that policemen had surrounded his residence, prompting members of the university community to gather in solidarity. The development occurred in the early hours of the day, with the Vice-Chancellor's children waking him up to the presence of security personnel.
According to Prof. Ogunwole, the policemen arrived at his official residence around 6:10am, and he initially declined to come out, unsure if they were genuine police officers. The police team later claimed to have a warrant, but Ogunwole insisted on being informed of the basis of the arrest. He linked the development to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
The Vice-Chancellor said the dispute arose from an audio recording that had leaked, prompting the university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee. The matter had subsequently gone before the court, and Ogunwole had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats to his life and workplace. He had instructed his lawyers to approach the police to explain that the matter was already before the court.
The Vice-Chancellor believed that the latest development could have been handled through an invitation rather than surrounding his residence. He expressed confidence in the rule of law and vowed to continue with his administration's plans to reposition the university. Ogunwole said there was no turning back, and the university would continue on its mission to create a new face for FUOYE.
The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union was at the residence to oppose attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor. Fagbuagun alleged that some individuals who had been entrenched in the university's previous administration were opposed to changes being introduced by Ogunwole. He accused unnamed individuals of alleged irregularities but did not provide evidence.
Other unions, including the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), also showed solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor. The Chairman of NAAT, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, said members were at the residence to protect the peace and progress being experienced under the present administration. NASU's branch secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said the union decided to mobilise to the residence to show solidarity with Ogunwole.
A non-teaching staff member, Victoria Adeyoju, called for an end to attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor, saying staff wanted peace and good governance in the university. The Vice-Chancellor's ordeal has sparked widespread support from the university community, with many expressing their commitment to his leadership. The incident has raised concerns about the security and stability of the university.
Key points
- The attempt to arrest FUOYE's Vice-Chancellor was allegedly linked to a petition written by some individuals connected with the university.
- The Vice-Chancellor had previously honoured a police invitation in connection with an earlier petition.
- University staff and students showed solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor, vowing to resist further attempts to harass or intimidate him.
