By Law Ibitoye
Drama unfolded in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday morning as staff and students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) mobilised to the residence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, following the arrival of policemen at his home.
The Vice-Chancellor, who raised the alarm over the development, said the policemen arrived at his official residence around 6:10 a.m., shortly after he had gone to bed. He said his children alerted him after noticing security personnel around the residence.
Speaking to journalists, Ogunwole said he initially refused to come out because he was uncertain about the identity and mission of the policemen. He said the officers later informed him that they had a warrant, but he insisted on knowing the reason for the arrest before leaving the house.
The VC linked the development to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including his predecessor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola. He said the matter stemmed from an audio recording that allegedly leaked and subsequently led the university management to set up an investigative committee.
Ogunwole said the matter was already before the court and that he had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats to his life and workplace. He added that his lawyers had contacted the police to explain his position and affirm his readiness to respond to any lawful invitation.
The Vice-Chancellor, who said he had previously honoured a police invitation in a related matter, expressed concern over the manner of Wednesday’s development, saying the issue could have been handled through a formal invitation.
“Somebody of my calibre would not run away anywhere. Rather than surrounding my house, there are other better approaches to invite me,” he said.
Ogunwole, however, said he remained committed to the rule of law and his administration’s agenda 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.
Meanwhile, representatives of staff unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), expressed solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor.
The FUOYE ASUU Chairman, Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, alleged that some individuals opposed to changes being introduced by the present administration were behind attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor. He also made allegations of irregularities under the previous administration, including alleged illegal promotions and financial mismanagement, without providing evidence during the briefing.
The NAAT Chairman, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, said members were at the residence to protect the peace and progress of the university, while NASU Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said members mobilised after receiving information that policemen had arrived at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence.
A non-teaching staff member, Victoria Adeyoju, also appealed for peace and good governance, urging an end to what she described as attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.