The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan Branch, has expressed strong solidarity with its counterpart at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over the recent arrest and detention of some of its union leaders.
In a solidarity statement signed by the branch chairman, Comrade Agbaje M.A., SSANU IAR&T described the arrest of the FUOYE executives, Comrades Faleye Benjamin, Ademola Mutiu, Oyelude Yekeen, Aluko Ayomikun, and Nwokeke Barnabas as “unjust and an affront to workers’ rights, industrial peace, and the sanctity of social dialogue.”
The Ibadan branch lauded the decisive leadership of the National Vice President (West), Comrade Abdulsobur Olayiwola Salam (PhD), and the National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, for their timely and courageous intervention that led to the release of the detained unionists.
Comrade Agbaje also commended the SSANU leadership of Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) for their unflinching solidarity actions, describing them as a shining example of union unity and commitment to justice.
The statement further acknowledged the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his mature and prompt intervention that prevented what could have escalated into an industrial crisis.
“SSANU IAR&T condemns unequivocally the unjust circumstances surrounding the arrest of our comrades, which remain a threat to industrial harmony and the dignity of labour,” the statement emphasized.
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to justice and fairness, the association pledged continuous support for SSANU FUOYE and vowed to remain resolute in defending the rights of workers across Nigerian universities.
“United we stand, divided we fall,” the statement concluded.