Campus Uproar: FUOYE Students and Staff Block Police from Arresting VC

Staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), collectively resisted an attempt by policemen to arrest the Vice-Chancellor, Joshua Ogunwole, on Wednesday morning. The incident, which unfolded around 6:10 am, saw academic and non-academic staff, alongside students, mobilizing to the Vice-Chancellor's residence in a strong show of solidarity.

Vice-Chancellor Ogunwole recounted that he was awakened by his children who noticed security personnel surrounding his home. He initially hesitated to emerge, seeking clarification on the identity of the men and the reasons for their presence. He stated that the officers eventually claimed to possess a warrant but he insisted on understanding the basis of the proposed arrest before complying. Ogunwole attributed the contentious development to a petition allegedly filed by individuals connected with the university, specifically naming his predecessor, Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Kehinde Adeola.

The dispute, according to Ogunwole, stems from an allegedly leaked audio recording, which prompted the university management to convene an investigative committee. He further noted that the matter had escalated to court, and he had personally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police regarding alleged threats to his life and workplace. The Vice-Chancellor affirmed his availability to respond to any lawful invitation and explained that he had instructed his legal representatives to engage with the police, emphasizing that the matter was already sub judice. He also highlighted a prior instance where he honored a police invitation concerning a different petition, undergoing several hours of questioning before his release, questioning why the current situation could not have been handled similarly. Ogunwole firmly stated, “Somebody of my calibre would not run away anywhere. Rather than surrounding my house, there are other better approaches to invite me,” and reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to transforming FUOYE, declaring, “There is no turning back. Our mission is to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute.”

Union representatives from across the university also voiced their support. Ojo Fagbuagun, the FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), described the police action as an intimidation attempt against Ogunwole. Fagbuagun alleged that certain individuals associated with the previous administration were resisting changes implemented by the Vice-Chancellor and made unproven claims of “illegal promotion” and “mismanagement of funds” during that period. Oluwashola Babafemi, Chairman of the FUOYE branch of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), stated that his members were present to safeguard the university's peace and progress, praising Ogunwole's accessibility and focus on staff welfare. Emmanuel Adegun, Secretary of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) FUOYE branch, confirmed that members were alerted to the police presence and mobilized in solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor.

Sunday Saanu, the university’s Director of Public Affairs and Communication, labeled the police action as “mischievous.” He reiterated that Ogunwole had previously honored a police invitation and had subsequently instructed his lawyers to act on his behalf. Saanu expressed shock at the police appearing at the Vice-Chancellor's residence despite these prior engagements.