There was drama in Ado-Ekiti in the early hours of Wednesday as staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) foiled an attempt to arrest the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole.
Prof. Ogunwole had raised the alarm that policemen surrounded his official residence in Ado-Ekiti at about 6:10 a.m. while the purpose of their presence was unclear.
The development attracted members of the university community, including academic and non-academic staff and students, who mobilised to the residence in solidarity to resist the move.
Addressing journalists at his residence, Ogunwole said he had gone to bed around 3 a.m. and was woken up by his children who noticed security operatives around the house. He said he initially refused to come out because he was not sure if they were genuine police officers and needed to ascertain the reason for their presence.
According to him, the policemen later claimed they had a warrant for his arrest, but he insisted on being properly briefed on the basis for the action before leaving his house.
The Vice-Chancellor linked the incident to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected to the university, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola.
He explained that the dispute stemmed from a leaked audio recording which prompted the university management to invite those involved to appear before an investigative committee. He said the matter was already before a court, adding 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 engage the police and clarify that the matter was sub judice and that he remained available to honour any lawful invitation. He recalled that he had previously honoured a police invitation over an earlier petition and was questioned from morning till 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 said, expressing confidence in the rule of law and vowing to continue his administration’s drive to reposition the university.
He added: “There is no turning back. Our mission is to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute.”
In his reaction, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUOYE branch, Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union was at the VC’s residence to oppose what he described as intimidation of the Vice-Chancellor by persons he claimed were opposed to reforms being introduced by the new administration.
Similarly, the Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), FUOYE branch, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, said the association mobilised to protect the peace and progress being witnessed under the current administration, noting that the VC had been accessible and responsive to staff welfare.
The Secretary of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), FUOYE branch, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said members were alerted to the police presence and decided to show solidarity, while a non-teaching staff, Mrs. Victoria Adeyoju, called for an end to what she termed intimidation of the Vice-Chancellor.
