FUOYE Denies VC’s Role in SSANU Leaders’ Arrest, Calls Claim Baseless

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has dismissed reports alleging that its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, ordered the arrest and detention of some leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), describing the claim as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

In a statement released on Monday, the university clarified that Professor Fasina was in Abuja on official duty at the Nigerian Law School for the accreditation of FUOYE’s law students when the police invited the union leaders for questioning over a reported security threat to the campus.

According to the university, the police acted on intelligence suggesting that some SSANU members planned to disrupt the Vice-Chancellor’s return to office on 14 October, after a six-month accumulated leave. Acting on the security report, the police invited the concerned union officials on 13 October, but they claimed to be out of Ekiti State at the time.

Letter of Invitation by the Police SID to the SSANU Executives – FUOYE Denies VC’s Role in SSANU Leaders’ Arrest, Calls Claim Baseless

When the Vice-Chancellor eventually resumed, tension reportedly flared as about ten SSANU members, led by Mr. Benjamin Faleye, allegedly stormed a meeting with the university community, vowing that Professor Fasina “would not be allowed to work and walk around the university.”

The university’s security unit later filed a report describing the conduct of the union leaders as a potential threat to peace on campus. Upon honouring the police invitation, the union members allegedly became unruly and uncooperative, leading to their brief detention.

A police source quoted in the statement said the invitation was routine and aimed at maintaining public order, stressing that “no individual is above the law.”

Contrary to claims circulating within union circles, FUOYE maintained that Professor Fasina was not involved in the police operation and, in fact, intervened to secure the release of the detained officials.

“The Vice-Chancellor was in Abuja when the incident occurred. Upon learning of the detention, he immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and appealed for their release,” the statement read.

The university condemned the behaviour of the SSANU leaders, calling it “a disgrace to the academic environment,” and reiterated its commitment to dialogue, staff welfare, and the peaceful progress of the institution.

FUOYE urged members of the university community to avoid spreading misinformation and instead embrace constructive engagement that supports the institution’s stability and development.