There was drama at Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday as staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) foiled an attempt by police officers to arrest the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, at his residence.
Ogunwole had raised an alarm that policemen surrounded his residence and their mission was unclear, drawing members of the university community including academic and non-academic staff and students who gathered in solidarity.
Speaking to journalists at his residence, Ogunwole said the policemen arrived around 6:10 am shortly after he went to bed at about 3 am, adding that his children woke him after noticing security personnel around the house.
He said he initially declined to come out because he was unsure whether the men were genuine police officers and wanted to establish the reason for their presence.
He said the team later told him they had a warrant, but he insisted he would not leave without being properly informed of the basis of arrest.
Ogunwole linked the development to a petition allegedly written by some individuals connected with the university, including immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Kehinde Adeola.
He said the dispute arose from an audio recording which he alleged had leaked, prompting management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee.
According to him, the matter had gone to court, while he had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as threats to his life and workplace.
He said he instructed his lawyers to approach police to explain the matter was before court and he was available to honour any lawful invitation.
He recalled honouring a police invitation in an earlier petition, saying he appeared with lawyers 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.
“We are resolute. There is no turning back. Our mission to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion.”
FUOYE ASUU Chairman, Dr Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union was at the residence to oppose intimidation of the Vice-Chancellor, alleging some individuals entrenched in previous administration were opposed to changes.
He accused unnamed individuals of alleged irregularities including “illegal promotion, abnormal promotion, mismanagement of funds” but did not provide evidence.
Chairman of NAAT, FUOYE branch, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, said members were there to protect peace and progress under the present administration.
NASU branch secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said members were alerted that police arrived and might attempt to take the VC away, hence mobilisation in solidarity.
