Blessing Bello, Reporting
DRAMATIC scenes unfolded in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday morning as staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), thwarted an attempt by police officers to arrest the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole.
The confrontation occurred at the VC’s official residence, where a contingent of police personnel had gathered at approximately 6:10am. Professor Ogunwole, who had only retired to bed around 3am, was awakened by his children after they spotted the security operatives surrounding the property.
Speaking to journalists at his residence, the Vice-Chancellor recounted the tense episode, explaining that he initially refused to emerge from the house, uncertain as to whether the men were genuine officers and determined to establish the reason for their presence.
The police team later claimed to possess a warrant, but Professor Ogunwole insisted he would not leave without first being properly informed of the basis for any arrest.
He linked the development to a petition allegedly written by individuals connected to the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Kehinde Adeola.
According to the VC, the dispute stemmed from a leaked audio recording which prompted the university management to summon those involved before an investigative committee.
The matter has since proceeded to court, while Professor Ogunwole said he had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as threats to his life and workplace.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that he had instructed his lawyers to inform the police that the matter was already sub judice and that he remained available to respond to any lawful invitation.
He recalled previously honouring a police invitation in connection with an earlier petition, appearing with his lawyers and being questioned from morning until evening before being 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 remarked.
Professor Ogunwole expressed confidence in the rule of law and vowed to press ahead with his administration’s reform agenda.
“There is no turning back. Our mission to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute,” he declared.
The incident drew members of the university community, academic and non-academic staff alongside students, to the VC’s residence in a show of solidarity.
Dr Ojo Fagbuagun, Chairman of the FUOYE branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said the union had gathered to oppose attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.
He alleged that individuals entrenched in the previous administration were resisting the changes being introduced by Professor Ogunwole, accusing unnamed persons of irregularities including illegal promotions, mismanagement of funds and other misconduct, though he did not provide evidence during the interview.
Fagbuagun further accused the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fasina, of resorting to police petitions rather than internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.
“We are here this morning to show the whole world that our VC cannot be intimidated,” he said.
Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), FUOYE branch, said members were present to protect the peace and progress enjoyed under the current administration, praising Professor Ogunwole’s accessibility and attention to staff welfare.
Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, branch secretary of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), said members were alerted to the police presence and mobilised to demonstrate solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor.
A non-teaching staff member, Victoria Adeyoju, also called for an end to attempts to intimidate the VC, stressing that staff desired peace and good governance at the institution.
As at the time of filing this report, the police contingent had yet to effect any arrest, and the university community remained on alert.
