In a move to strengthen town-and-gown relations and seek spiritual support for his new role as Vice-Chancellor in Acting capacity, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), paid a scheduled courtesy visits to the palaces of the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti and the Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti.
These visits marked his first official engagements with traditional institutions since assuming office on April 14, 2025.
During his visit to the Oloye’s Palace, Professor Shittu expressed gratitude for the support the university had so far received from the Oye community.
He said: “Of recent, you must have heard in the news that the Vice-Chancellor has gone on leave and the council has graciously appointed me to act as the Vice-Chancellor. As a result, I felt it is necessary for me and my team to come and visit the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti and the Oye in Council.
“I came not only for a courtesy visit but also to seek the Oloye’s blessings and prayers.”
In his response, the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Sir) Michael Oluwole Ademolaju, welcomed Professor Shittu warmly, praising him as a true son of the soil.
“We will continue to pray for you, your family, your management team, staff, and students. Every Oye-Ekiti man in the street will be watching your actions closely because you are representing your people,” he stated.
At the Elekole’s palace in Ikole-Ekiti, Professor Shittu reiterated his gratitude and commitment to peace, development, and security in the university’s host communities.
He said: “I consider it a privilege to be in your midst today to receive your blessings and prayers” while highlighting the strong and peaceful relationship between FUOYE’s Ikole campus and the local community, seeking their continued cooperation.
Representing the Elekole, High Chief Olusayo Okunola acknowledged Professor Shittu as a familiar and respected figure in Ikole, while Chief Aremo, who also spoke in support of the Acting vice-chancellor , described the visit as a homecoming.
Chief Aremo said: “You have come to your father’s house. Professor Shitu knows what Ikole wants. We are praying for you so that you will become the substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE.”
He also encouraged the Acting Vice-Chancellor to use his position wisely, saying “now that the red biro is in your hand, you can help us.”
He went on: “We know you are not a greedy person, and we believe your name will be written in history for good.”
Professor Shitu was accompanied by the University Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, the University C.S.O and the University PRO together with his team and other officers of the University.
Meanwhile, the Ikole community wrapped up the visit with a prayer session by the traditional chiefs, both male and female, asking for divine guidance and a successful tenure for Professor Shittu.
SOURCE: FUOYE WEBSITE