FUOYE Cautions SSANU Against Political Blackmail Of Vice-Chancellor, Fasina

Authorities of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have called on the national leadership of SSANU to caution its errant members and put an end to further acts of political blackmail or attempts to malign the reputation of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina.

It further cautioned that any continuation of such defamatory or acts inimical to peaceful co-existence would attract appropriate legal and disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures.

A statement by Special Adviser on Media to the VC, Dr. Wole Balogun, the University condemned what it called SSANU’s “desperate and unrelenting smear campaign”, noting that after failing woefully in its earlier attempt to malign Professor Fasina with false allegations of sexual harassment, the union has now resorted to spreading baseless rumours that the Vice-Chancellor is involved in political manoeuvring ahead of forthcoming elections in Ekiti State.

“Such claims are indeed laughable, unfortunate, and utterly false,” the statement reads. “Professor Fasina is an academic and administrator of high repute, not a politician. His record of integrity and professionalism is unquestionable.” The University described the accusations as “lies from the pit of hell”, adding that several members of SSANU’s local leadership in FUOYE have themselves been involved in acts of gross misconduct, violence, and indiscipline on campus.

“Some members of the FUOYE SSANU leadership who attempted to disrupt a peaceful meeting of staff held on 14 October 2025, convened by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Ndoma Egba (SAN).

The University explained that the violent conduct of these individuals was witnessed by other union leaders, staff members, and security operatives, who even recorded video evidence of their actions.

Following the incident, security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps, invited the erring SSANU officials for questioning. However, reports indicate that even at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the individuals displayed further unruly and disrespectful behaviour.

“The same characters who now parade themselves as defenders of justice have a well-documented record of insubordination and violence,” the statement continued. “If anyone should be investigated for plans to disrupt the peace or the forthcoming elections, it should be these local SSANU leaders, not Professor Fasina.”

The University further reiterated that Professor Fasina’s record in public service remains unblemished, particularly in matters related to elections. It cited his role as the INEC Returning Officer for the Imo State Governorship Election, which was widely acknowledged as one of the most peaceful and transparent polls in recent Nigerian history.

“Professor Fasina has always been a law-abiding, peace-loving academic. Since assuming office on 11 February 2021, several elections have been held in Ekiti State without any controversy involving him. The allegations being circulated are baseless, mischievous, and politically motivated,” the statement concluded.

The University called on the national leadership of SSANU to caution its errant members and put an end to further acts of political blackmail or attempts to malign the reputation of Professor Fasina and the institution.