The management of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) has categorically denied reports claiming that its Vice Chancellor, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, was arrested following his role as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer in the recent Osun State governorship election.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Dr Sunday Saanu, the university's Director of Communications and Public Affairs, labeled the allegations as "entirely false, baseless, and deliberately fabricated." The rumors suggested that Ogunwole was detained in Abuja after declaring incumbent governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the election.

Dr Saanu clarified that Prof Ogunwole had traveled to Abuja on August 17, 2026, for official university business, specifically to address critical administrative matters affecting FUOYE. He emphasized that at no point was the Vice Chancellor held by any security agency, stating, "Prof Ogunwole has not been arrested, detained, or invited by the police or any other security agency in connection with his official duties as Returning Officer or for any other reason."

The university's management expressed concern over the spread of such misinformation, describing it as a deliberate attempt to incite panic within the university community and the general public. They condemned the reckless dissemination of fake news, urging members of the public to disregard the unfounded claims and to treat unverified social media reports with caution.

Prof Ogunwole, who has an impressive academic background with experience across various Nigerian universities and international research fellowships, declared Adeleke the winner of the Osun governorship election on August 16, 2026, at 7:24 AM. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who garnered 444,815 votes in a closely contested race.

The university reiterated its commitment to transparency and assured the public that it would continue to provide accurate updates regarding its leadership and any relevant matters. As the situation unfolds, FUOYE remains focused on its mission to enhance academic excellence and institutional growth.