Staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), on Wednesday gathered at the residence of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, after policemen reportedly arrived at the premises in connection with a petition.
Key Takeaways
- Police reportedly arrived at Prof. Joshua Ogunwole’s official residence early Wednesday morning.
- Ogunwole said the officers told him they had a warrant but did not initially explain the reason for their presence.
- FUOYE staff and students later gathered at the residence in solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor.
- Ogunwole linked the development to a petition involving individuals connected with the university’s previous administration.
- He said the matter was already before the court and that he remained willing to respond to any lawful invitation.
- The FUOYE branch of ASUU said it mobilised because it viewed the development as an attempt to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.
Police Arrive At FUOYE Vice-Chancellor’s Residence
The situation began in the early hours of Wednesday when policemen reportedly arrived at the official residence of FUOYE Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, in Ado-Ekiti.
Ogunwole said the officers arrived at about 6:10 a.m., shortly after he had gone to bed around 3 a.m.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, his children alerted him after noticing security personnel around the residence.
He said he initially refused to come outside because he was uncertain whether the men were genuine police officers and wanted clarification about why they had come.
Ogunwole later said the officers informed him that they had a warrant.
He maintained that he would not leave his residence without first being properly informed about the basis for the proposed arrest.
Why The Police Visit Became A Dispute
Ogunwole linked the development to a petition allegedly submitted by individuals connected with the university, including immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola.
According to Ogunwole, the dispute was connected to an audio recording that allegedly leaked and subsequently became a matter of concern within the university.
He said the university management invited those involved to appear before an investigative committee and explain the contents of the recording.
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the matter had since become the subject of litigation.
He also said he had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as threats to his life and workplace.
Ogunwole Says He Is Ready To Answer Lawful Questions
Ogunwole said he instructed his lawyers to approach the police and explain that the matter was already before the court.
He added that he remained available to respond to any lawful invitation from the authorities.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled that he had previously honoured a police invitation over an earlier petition.
According to him, he appeared with his lawyers and answered questions from morning until evening before he was released on self-recognisance.
Ogunwole questioned why the latest development required policemen to surround his residence instead of inviting him through what he described as more appropriate channels.
“Somebody of my calibre would not run away anywhere. Rather than surrounding my house, there are other better approaches to invite me,” he said.
FUOYE Staff And Students Rally Around The VC
Following the development, academic and non-academic staff as well as students gathered at Ogunwole’s residence.
The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union mobilised to the residence because of what he described as an attempt to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.
Fagbuagun alleged that some individuals associated with the previous administration were opposed to changes being introduced by Ogunwole.
He also raised allegations involving issues he described as “illegal promotion, abnormal promotion, mismanagement of funds” and other forms of misconduct.
However, the supplied report did not provide evidence establishing those allegations.
Fagbuagun also accused the immediate past administration of turning to police petitions instead of using internal mechanisms to address disagreements within the university.
He said academic staff would resist what he described as further attempts to harass or intimidate Ogunwole.
“We are here this morning to show the whole world that our VC cannot be intimidated,” Fagbuagun said.
Other FUOYE Staff Unions Express Support
The FUOYE branch chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, also said members gathered at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence.
Babafemi said the association wanted to protect what it regarded as the peace and progress of the university under the current administration.
He described Ogunwole as accessible to staff and said the association did not want developments capable of disrupting the university’s current direction.
The branch secretary of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said members were alerted that policemen had arrived at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and might attempt to take him away.
He said the union subsequently mobilised to show solidarity with Ogunwole.
A non-teaching staff member, Victoria Adeyoju, also called for an end to what she described as attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.
She said staff wanted peace and good governance within the university.
Ogunwole Reaffirms His Administration’s Plans
Despite the development, Ogunwole said he remained committed to the administration’s plans for the university.
He described his position as one of adherence to the rule of law while insisting that his administration would continue with its programme for 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.
What The Report Establishes
The supplied report establishes that policemen reportedly arrived at Ogunwole’s residence, that the Vice-Chancellor questioned the reason for their presence, and that university staff and students subsequently gathered at the residence.
It also establishes that Ogunwole says the matter is connected to a petition and an existing legal dispute.
However, the report does not establish the police’s account of the incident, the contents or validity of any warrant, or whether the allegations raised by either side have been proven.
The allegations concerning individuals connected to the previous administration therefore remain attributed claims and should not be treated as established facts on the basis of the supplied report alone.
What Happens Next?
For now, the dispute remains connected to the petition and court proceedings referenced by Ogunwole.
The supplied report does not provide a response from the police or the individuals he named in connection with the petition.
Any further police action, court development or response from the parties involved would provide additional context to the dispute.
FAQ
Why did FUOYE staff gather at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence?
They gathered after policemen reportedly arrived at the residence, with staff unions saying they wanted to show solidarity with Ogunwole.
What did the FUOYE Vice-Chancellor say about the police visit?
Ogunwole said the officers arrived around 6:10 a.m., told him they had a warrant and that he wanted to understand the basis for the proposed arrest.
What did Ogunwole say caused the dispute?
He linked it to a petition connected with an audio recording and individuals associated with the university’s previous administration.
Did Ogunwole say he was refusing to cooperate with the police?
No. He said he remained available to respond to any lawful invitation and recalled previously honouring a police invitation with his lawyers.
What did ASUU say about the development?
The FUOYE ASUU branch chairman said the union mobilised to oppose what he described as an attempt to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.
Are the allegations against the previous administration proven?
The supplied report does not provide evidence establishing those allegations, so they remain attributed claims.
What is the current position?
Ogunwole says the underlying matter is already before the court, while the supplied report does not include a police response or further court outcome.
