​SSANU, EAUED, Oyo condemns ‘barbaric’ arrest of FUOYE leaders, pledges total solidarity

​SSANU, EAUED, Oyo condemns ‘barbaric’ arrest of FUOYE leaders, pledges total solidarity, News Live Nigeria reports.

​A major crisis is brewing within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector following the alleged assault, arrest, and unlawful detention of key union leaders at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) by the Ekiti State Police Force. The escalating tension has prompted a robust show of unity from sister union branches across the country.

​The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) Branch at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo (EAUED), issued a fiery solidarity statement, squarely pointing the finger at the FUOYE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, for allegedly “orchestrating” the incident.

​The statement, signed by Comrade Ayotunde J. Fabeku, EAUED, Oyo Branch Chairman, expresses “total solidarity” with the detained FUOYE Branch Chairman, Secretary, and other comrades. The EAUED SSANU leadership vehemently condemned the police action, calling it a “grave violation of freedom of association” that must be condemned by “every reasonable and sane mind.”

​”We condemn this action in its entirety,” the statement read. “Your struggle is our struggle, and we will not rest until justice is served.” This strong language underscores the union’s commitment to fighting for the rights of its members across federal institutions.

​The incident has triggered a rapid and coordinated response from the union’s national body and other zonal branches, which the EAUED branch was quick to praise:

​The EAUED statement lauded the “tireless National President” and the Western Zonal Vice President for their “prompt response” and directive that led to the “occupation” of the Police Command Headquarters in Ekiti State by union comrades. Commendations were also extended to SSANU branches at Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Bamidele Olumiluma University of Education, Science & Technology (BOUEST) for their “swift intervention and solidarity actions,” noting that their “unity and support came at the right time and was a beacon of hope.”

​Crucially, the union’s statement acknowledged the timely intervention of the State Governor, who reportedly “ordered their immediate release” upon hearing of the “unfortunate and barbaric incident.” This action appears to have successfully de-escalated a potentially larger standoff between the union and state security forces.

​The statement concludes with a defiant message to the FUOYE leaders: “Stand strong, comrades! We want you to know that we are solidly behind you.” The incident highlights growing tensions between university management and staff unions across the country and is expected to be a major agenda item at the next meeting of SSANU’s National Executive Council.