BREAKING: Police Detain Federal University Oye-Ekiti SSANU Chairman, Four Members After Honouring Invitation On Suspended VC

The Nigeria Police Force has detained the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) branch, Comrade Faleye Benjamin, along with four other members after they honoured a police invitation on Monday.

According to reports obtained by SaharaReporters, the union leaders were invited following a petition allegedly written by the university’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) on the directive of the suspended Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abayomi Fasina.

A source within the university community disclosed that the detained SSANU members — Comrades Ademola Mutiu, Oyelude Yekeen, Aluko Ayomikun, and Nwokeke Barnabas — reported to the Force Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti around noon but they were subsequently detained.

The source alleged that the suspended Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fasina, was using the CSO to orchestrate the detention as part of a wider plot to intimidate union members.

In a statement condemning the action, SSANU members described the detention as “deeply concerning and unacceptable,” calling it a direct attack on unionism, workers’ rights, and freedom of association guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and labour laws.

“The University community and the general public are hereby placed on notice that should anything untoward happen to our detained members, the University Management, led by the Vice Chancellor, shall be held fully liable for any harm or consequence arising from this unlawful act

"SSANU FUOYE reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement in pursuit of justice, fairness, and the protection of its members’ rights."

On October 14, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that controversy deepened at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) following allegations that the suspended Vice-Chancellor, Fasina, sponsored fake students to attack staff members during a meeting allegedly supported by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, several FUOYE staff were seen expressing fear for their safety after being attacked by suspected students who were reportedly not known to the university.

The chaos erupted during a meeting that had been convened for all staff members.

Aggrieved staff members of the school informed SaharaReporters that a circular, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mufutau A. Ibrahim, had invited all staff members to a meeting on Tuesday at the 1,000 Capacity Auditorium, Phase II.

The meeting was said to have been convened at the directive of Senator Ndoma-Egba.

Meanwhile, members of staff, while challenging the presence of the suspended Vice-Chancellor, Fasina, at the meeting, were attacked by some “hired students” who descended on them.

However, sources said staff members were shocked to see the suspended Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fasina, present at the meeting despite his ongoing suspension.

One staff member alleged that Ndoma-Egba has been attempting to reinstate Fasina, who had been asked to take research leave before his retirement, despite the Council Chairman having allocated N128 million to him.

“Fasina has overwhelmed the university community with notorious hooligans and rusticated students from nearby universities to harass, molest, and threaten innocent FUOYE staff members,” one of the aggrieved staff members told SaharaReporters.

The source further appealed to the Federal Government to intervene, saying, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must save FUOYE. Nigerians should rescue this institution from the leadership rascality of Fasina.”

Meanwhile, the circular issued on October 13, 2025, with reference number FUOYE/REG/CAD/025/Vol.1/125, confirmed that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council officially called the meeting.

The statement read, "I write on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, SAN, to invite you to a meeting as scheduled below: Date: Tuesday, 14th October, 2025.

"Time: 9:00a.m, venue: 1000 Capacity Auditorium, Phase II.
"Consequently, all members of staff are advised to attend this meeting."

The recent development has heightened concerns among FUOYE staff and students, who fear that the growing tension could further disrupt academic activities on campus.