By Law Ibitoye
The Oye Local Government Youth Forum has condemned the reported attempt by policemen to arrest the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Ogunwole, describing the development as capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the institution.
In a statement jointly signed by the Forum’s President, Comrade Sesan Akilo, and its Secretary, Mr.Dayo Babayemi Emmanuel said it was concerned by reports that policemen arrived at the official residence of the Vice-Chancellor in Ado-Ekiti in the early hours of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in an attempt to arrest him.
The Youth Forum noted that Professor Ogunwole had linked the development to a petition allegedly involving the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, and some other individuals connected with the university. Oye LG Youth Forum , however, urged all parties to allow due process and refrain from actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within the university community.
According to the Forum, Professor Fasina, having completed his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, should allow the new administration to concentrate on the task of taking FUOYE to greater heights rather than engaging in actions that could be perceived as interference with the affairs of the institution.
“We strongly appeal to Professor Fasina to stay away from actions capable of disrupting the smooth administration of FUOYE and allow the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, to discharge his responsibilities without unnecessary distractions.
“Professor Fasina has served his tenure and should allow the present administration to pursue its own vision for the university.
The Oye Local Government Youth Forum will not fold its arms and watch any individual or group create unnecessary instability in an institution that remains critical to the development of our people and the entire state,” the statement said.
The Forum expressed support for the administration of Professor Ogunwole, saying the new Vice-Chancellor had introduced initiatives aimed at repositioning the university through innovation, digitalisation, improved governance, research and other measures consistent with contemporary global university standards.
It said the innovations being introduced under the Ogunwole administration had the potential to further strengthen the reputation of FUOYE and enhance its competitiveness among universities in Nigeria and internationally.
The Forum warned that any attempt to victimise, intimidate or frustrate Professor Ogunwole in the discharge of his official responsibilities would be strongly resisted through lawful and constitutional means.
“We want to make it clear that this should be the last attempt to disrupt or intimidate the Vice-Chancellor. Any further attempt to victimise Professor Ogunwole or interfere with the peaceful administration of FUOYE will be vehemently resisted by stakeholders who are genuinely interested in the progress and stability of the institution.
“We stand solidly with Professor Ogunwole in his efforts to reposition FUOYE and believe that his vision, innovations and style of administration can further position the university alongside leading institutions committed to global best practices,” the Forum stated.
The Oye Local Government Youth Forum also appealed to the Nigeria Police Force to handle the matter professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law, stressing that law-enforcement procedures should not be allowed to aggravate tension within the university community.
The Forum urged all stakeholders, including former and current university officials, staff unions, students and other interested parties, to prioritise peace, due process and the long-term interests of FUOYE.It said the university belonged to the people and should not become a battleground for personal or administrative disagreements, adding that all grievances should be addressed through lawful institutional and judicial channels.