Staff and students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on September 30 mobilized to the residence of the institution's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, after police officers reportedly arrived at his home in Ado-Ekiti in an attempt to arrest him. The development attracted academic and non-academic staff, as well as students, who gathered at the Vice-Chancellor's residence in solidarity and opposed the reported move.
According to Prof. Ogunwole, the police officers arrived at his official residence at about 6:10 am after he had gone to bed around 3 am. His children woke him after noticing security personnel around the house. He initially remained indoors because he was unsure whether the men were genuine police officers and wanted to establish why they had come.
The Vice-Chancellor said the officers later informed him that they had a warrant, but he declined to leave his residence until he was properly informed of the basis for the proposed arrest. Ogunwole linked the development to a petition allegedly filed by individuals connected with the university, including his predecessor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola.
The dispute is connected to an audio recording which had allegedly been leaked, prompting university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee. According to Ogunwole, the matter subsequently went to court. He added that he had separately petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as threats to his life and workplace.
The Vice-Chancellor said his lawyers had contacted the police to explain that the matter was already before the court and that he remained available to respond to any lawful invitation. He recalled that he had previously honoured a police invitation over another petition, appearing with his lawyers and answering questions from morning until evening before being released on self-recognisance.
The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union mobilized to the residence because of what he described as an attempt to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor. Fagbuagun alleged that some individuals associated with the university's previous administration were unhappy with changes being introduced by Ogunwole, citing irregularities involving promotions and the management of university funds.
Despite the development, the Vice-Chancellor said his administration remained focused on its plans for the university. "There is no turning back. Our mission to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute," Ogunwole said. Various stakeholders, including ASUU, NAAT, and NASU, have expressed solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor, calling for an end to efforts to intimidate him.
Key points
- The police attempt to arrest FUOYE Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole was foiled by staff and students on September 30.
- The development is linked to a petition allegedly filed by individuals connected with the university, including Ogunwole's predecessor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
- The Vice-Chancellor's administration remains focused on its plans for the university, despite the attempt to arrest him.
