The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has strongly denied claims that its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, ordered the arrest of leaders of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). The university described the accusations as false, misleading, and intended to tarnish the image of the Vice-Chancellor.

In a statement released on Monday, FUOYE clarified that Professor Fasina was not even in Ekiti State when the alleged arrest happened. The statement noted that he was in Abuja for the accreditation of the university’s law students at the Nigerian Law School. According to the university, the police acted independently after receiving a security report about possible plans to disrupt the VC’s return to office after his six-month leave.

The management explained that some SSANU members were reportedly planning to prevent the Vice-Chancellor from resuming work on October 14, 2025. Acting on this information, the police invited the union leaders for questioning. However, the leaders initially declined the invitation, saying they were out of town. When the VC eventually resumed duties, a group led by Mr. Benjamin Faleye allegedly disrupted a meeting and threatened to stop him from carrying out his functions.

FUOYE said the union leaders’ behavior was reported to the police as a potential threat to peace on campus. When they later appeared at the police station, their refusal to cooperate led to a brief detention. The university quoted a police source confirming that the action was only a preventive measure to maintain order. It added that Professor Fasina later intervened personally to ensure their release.

The management condemned the union members’ actions as unprofessional and harmful to the university’s image. It warned that spreading false accusations could attract legal consequences. FUOYE urged staff and students to prioritize peace and cooperation, emphasizing that the university remains committed to dialogue, welfare, and steady institutional development.