Staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Wednesday mobilised to the residence of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, after police officers reportedly arrived to arrest him.
The incident occurred in Ado-Ekiti, where members of the university community gathered at Ogunwole’s official residence and opposed the alleged arrest.
Ogunwole said the policemen arrived at about 6:10am, shortly after he had gone to bed around 3am. According to him, his children alerted him after noticing security personnel around the residence.
The Vice-Chancellor said he initially refused to come out because he was unsure whether the men were genuine police officers and wanted clarification on why they were at his residence.
He said the police team later informed him that they had a warrant, but he insisted on being properly informed of the basis for the arrest.
Ogunwole linked the development to a petition allegedly filed by individuals connected with the university, including immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Kehinde Adeola.
According to him, the dispute followed an audio recording which allegedly leaked and led the university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee.
He said the matter had subsequently gone to court and that he had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats to his life and workplace.
Ogunwole said he had directed 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 also recalled honouring an earlier police invitation over another petition, saying he appeared with his lawyers, was questioned for several hours and was later released on self-recognisance.
“Somebody of my calibre would not run away anywhere. Rather than surrounding my house, there are other better approaches to invite me,” he said.
Despite the development, Ogunwole said he remained committed to his administration’s plans to reposition FUOYE.
“There is no turning back. Our mission to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute,” he said.
The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union members were at the residence to oppose what he described as attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.
Fagbuagun alleged that some individuals linked to the previous administration were opposed to changes being introduced by Ogunwole. He also alleged irregularities including illegal promotion, abnormal promotion and mismanagement of funds, but did not provide evidence for the claims during the interview.
The chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), FUOYE branch, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, said members were at the residence to support the university’s administration and protect what he described as the institution’s peace and progress.
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) branch secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said members were alerted that police officers had arrived at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and might take him away.
He said the union subsequently mobilised to the residence to show solidarity with Ogunwole.
