An attempt by the police to unlawfully arrest the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, was foiled by students and staff of the institution. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when policemen surrounded Ogunwole's residence in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital. Members of the university community immediately mobilized to the Vice-Chancellor's residence to prevent the alleged arrest.
According to Prof. Ogunwole, the policemen arrived at his official residence around 6:10am, shortly after he had gone to bed at about 3am. His children woke him up after noticing the security personnel around the house. Initially, Ogunwole 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 told Ogunwole that they had a warrant of arrest, but he insisted he would not leave the house without first being properly informed of the grounds for the arrest. Ogunwole stated that the development was unconnected to a petition allegedly written by some individuals in the university cycle, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Kehinde Adeola.
The disagreement stems from an audio recording that Ogunwole allegedly 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, while Ogunwole had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as threats to his life and workplace.
Ogunwole said 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, saying he appeared with his lawyers and was questioned from morning till evening before being released on self-recognition.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed his belief that the latest development could have been handled with an invitation rather than by surrounding his residence. He emphasized that somebody of his caliber would not run away and suggested better approaches to invite him. Despite the incident, Ogunwole said he remained confident in the rule of law and would continue with his administration's plans to reposition the university.
Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, the FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), stated 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 opposed changes introduced by the current leadership.
Key points
- The police attempt to arrest FUOYE Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole was foiled by students and staff.
- The incident may be connected to a petition written by some individuals in the university cycle.
- The Vice-Chancellor remains confident in the rule of law and committed to repositioning the university.
