The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has cautioned the national leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), led by Muhammad Haruna Ibrahim, over what it described as “political blackmail and malicious propaganda” aimed at tarnishing the image of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

The warning comes after a recent press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, during which SSANU officials accused Prof. Fasina of attempting to influence the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The union also called on the Federal Government to remove him from office to “restore peace” within the institution.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Vice-Chancellor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Wole Balogun, FUOYE’s management dismissed the allegations as a “desperate and baseless smear campaign.”

The university alleged that SSANU’s national leadership had been making coordinated attempts to damage Prof. Fasina’s reputation following earlier failed efforts to implicate him in unfounded claims of sexual harassment.

“The latest accusations are nothing but lies from the pit of hell. It is disheartening that, instead of upholding the ethical standards expected of university staff, some SSANU members have resorted to falsehood and blackmail,” the statement said.

FUOYE further alleged that some executives of its SSANU chapter were themselves guilty of gross misconduct, violence, and indiscipline, referencing an incident on October 14, 2025, when they allegedly tried to disrupt a peaceful staff meeting organized by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Ndoma Egba (SAN).

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and academic excellence, the university stated that it would not hesitate to take disciplinary measures against any individual or group found attempting to destabilize the institution or tarnish its image.