Armed operatives from the Lagos State Police Command stormed the private residence of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi O. Ogunwole, in an early-morning operation. The incident occurred at about 6:20am on Wednesday, with the officers forcing their way into the compound and creating tension among residents and university officials. The operatives threatened to shoot the resident guard dogs to neutralise any resistance to their operation. Their intention was to take Professor Ogunwole into custody and transport him directly to Lagos.
The operation triggered swift mobilisation within the university community as news spread across the campus. Staff members and students rushed to the Vice-Chancellor's residence, creating significant pressure on the police team. The large gathering eventually compelled the Lagos police operatives to withdraw from the premises. Several key individuals intervened, helping to de-escalate the situation. The circumstances surrounding the operation are linked to an ongoing dispute involving petitions against the current administration of the university.
The latest development is connected to a petition co-authored by Dr Kehinde Adetola of the Faculty of Law and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. This is part of a series of petition and legal-related developments involving the university administration. The current Vice-Chancellor was previously detained on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police over a separate petition allegedly written by the same individuals.
He was subsequently released on bail on personal recognition after the Osun State governorship elections. Despite the subsisting bail arrangement, the complainants allegedly submitted another petition to the Lagos State Police Command, resulting in Wednesday morning's operation. The decision to involve the Lagos State Police Command has raised questions within the university community about the jurisdictional basis and circumstances surrounding the operation.
The fresh petition was pursued through the Lagos police authorities rather than through the relevant authorities in Ekiti State. This has heightened concerns among members of the university community, who questioned why armed police officers from Lagos would travel to Ekiti State to effect the arrest of the Vice-Chancellor over a petition when there was already an existing bail arrangement.
Sources explained that Dr Adetola has been able to exert considerable influence in the matter due to a family connection within the Nigeria Police Force. Dr Adetola's biological brother is a serving police officer, which may have facilitated the involvement of the Lagos State Police Command. The operation has generated concerns among staff and students over an increasingly tense relationship between different factions within the university community.
The university community is now grappling with the implications of the police operation and the ongoing disputes. The Vice-Chancellor's bail arrangement and the involvement of the Lagos State Police Command in the matter have sparked debates about jurisdiction and the influence of certain individuals within the university and the police force. The situation remains a source of concern for the university community.
Key points
- The Lagos State Police Command's involvement in the operation has raised questions about jurisdictional basis.
- The operation is linked to an ongoing dispute involving petitions against the current administration of FUOYE.
- Dr Adetola's family connection within the Nigeria Police Force may have facilitated the Lagos police involvement.
