……“No amount of mobilisation or media campaign can replace lawful investigation” Dr Mabel Ademiloye
The Centre for Gender Advocacy and Women Development has demanded the immediate appearance of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, before the Nigeria Police Force to respond to the numerous allegations reportedly under investigation against him.
The Centre said the Vice-Chancellor should stop any further delay and honour invitations from the relevant police authorities, insisting that the only credible way for him to dispel the allegations is to appear before investigators, provide the necessary evidence and allow the facts to be independently established.
In a press statement issued in Ado-Ekiti and signed by its Director, Dr Mabel Ademiloye, the Centre said allegations reportedly involving academic fraud, impersonation, forgery, falsification of official documents, alleged illegal appointment, privacy violations, workplace harassment, victimisation, cyberbullying and threats to life are matters that should be subjected to proper investigation rather than public argument.
“Prof. Ogunwole should turn himself in and face the police investigation. If the allegations against him are false, this is his opportunity to demonstrate that with facts, documents and credible evidence. No media campaign, protest or mobilisation of supporters can substitute for a lawful investigation,” Dr Ademiloye said.
The Centre emphasised that its demand should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt, stressing that the allegations remain allegations until established by competent authorities and, where applicable, determined by a court of law.
However, it maintained that the principle of presumption of innocence cannot be used to prevent law-enforcement agencies from investigating allegations properly brought before them.
“Presumption of innocence protects an accused person from being treated as guilty before conviction; it does not confer immunity from investigation. Anyone who believes he has been wrongly accused should welcome the opportunity to present evidence and clear his name through due process,” she said.
The Centre also warned against attempts to turn university unions, staff associations, students or other groups into instruments for obstructing lawful police investigations.
According to Dr Ademiloye, trade unions have legitimate responsibilities to protect the welfare and rights of their members, but those responsibilities must not be confused with preventing law-enforcement agencies from performing their statutory duties.
“If there are concerns about the manner in which the investigation is being conducted, there are lawful channels for addressing such concerns. Mobilising people to confront or obstruct investigators is neither appropriate nor acceptable,” she stated.
The Centre urged the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the investigation is conducted professionally, impartially and transparently, with full respect for the rights of all persons involved.
It equally called on the university community to resist attempts to escalate the matter, warning that prolonged controversy surrounding the leadership of a federal university could undermine confidence in the institution and distract from its core academic responsibilities.
Dr Ademiloye said the issue should ultimately be about establishing the truth.
“This is not a call for Prof. Ogunwole to be convicted in the media. It is a call for him to face the process, answer the questions being raised and allow the competent authorities to determine the facts.
“If the allegations are false, let him clear his name before the appropriate authorities. If there are documents or evidence capable of resolving the issues, let them be presented. What should not happen is for a police investigation to become a battle of media statements and competing mobilisations.”
The Centre therefore called on Prof. Ogunwole to honour all outstanding police invitations without further delay, cooperate fully with investigators and provide whatever information and documentation may be required.
It further urged the police to conclude their investigation as expeditiously as possible and communicate the outcome through appropriate channels.
“The integrity of a university begins with accountability at the top. The Vice-Chancellor should face the investigation, answer the allegations and let the truth prevail.”