Drama unfolded in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday as staff and students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) stopped police officers from allegedly arresting the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole.
The policemen reportedly arrived at Ogunwole’s official residence around 6:10am.
The Vice-Chancellor said his children woke him after noticing the security personnel around the house.
Ogunwole said he initially refused to come out because he was unsure whether the men were genuine police officers.
He said the officers later informed him that they had a warrant, but he wanted to know the reason for the arrest.
The development attracted academic and non-academic staff, as well as students, who gathered at the residence in solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor.
Ogunwole linked the incident to a petition allegedly filed by individuals connected to the university, including former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Fasina and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Kehinde Adeola.
He said the matter followed an alleged leaked audio recording that led the university management to set up an investigative committee.
According to him, the matter is now before the court. He added 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 inform the police that he was available to respond to any lawful 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.
The Vice-Chancellor also reaffirmed his commitment to his administration’s plans 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.
The FUOYE ASUU chairman, Dr. Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union mobilised to the residence to oppose what he described as an attempt to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor.
“We are here this morning to show the whole world that our VC cannot be intimidated,” Fagbuagun said.
The NAAT chairman, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, and NASU secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, also expressed support for Ogunwole.
Adegun said members were alerted that police officers had arrived and might take the Vice-Chancellor away.
A non-teaching staff member, Victoria Adeyoju, called for peace and good governance at the university.
