DAY FUOYE VC VISITED CHANCELLOR

 Sunday Saanu 

The Ata Igala of the Igala Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ata Agabaidu, Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa is the Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). While the Vice Chancellor handles day-to-day administrative processes of the university, the Chancellor is the ceremonial and titular head of the university. Those who are given this role are usually distinguished public figures,traditional rulers, or respected academics who operate in a honorary capacity. The Chancellor’s most prominent role is to lead graduation ceremonies and formally confer degrees upon students. They also officially approve and confer honorary doctorates or titles on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. 

Against this backdrop therefore, it is understandable when the FUOYE Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole who took over the mantle of leadership as the fifth FUOYE VC on February 11, 2026 decided to visit the Chancellor in his palace at Igala kingdom in Kogi state. The visit which was as historical as it was refreshingly adventurous, saw Prof. Ogunwole displaying his oratorical prowess as he dazzled the audience with an impressive public relations speech. 

The Vice Chancellor who was accompanied by the University Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, Senior Technical Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebola Adewunmi Aderibigbe, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Dr. Sunday Saanu and Chief Security Officer, Retired Captain Bitanis Raymond was at his best during his opening remarks. Shortly after the traditional rites were observed with the breaking of cola, Prof. Ogunwole skillfully connected with, and captivated the traditional ruler and his chiefs- in-council by disclosing that he has been enjoying the hospitality culture of Igala land right from his days in the university. 

According to the VC, “Your Royal Majesty, I am here to let you know that I am part and parcel of your kingdom. I have been enjoying the hospitality culture of Igala kingdom right from my days in the university. I attended university with some sons and daughters of this kingdom, including Inikpi and Ajuma who really took care of me in school. With these people around me, I don’t cook. They used to bring food for me. They supplied my food. I can boldly say I have been enjoying the hospitality culture of this kingdom right from my days in school”

Prof. Ogunwole told the gathering that he was in the palace to check on the traditional ruler in order to know about his welfare and to receive royal blessings. According to him, “I took over in February, 2026, I should have been here much earlier than now, but we needed to put certain things in place before coming to see our Chancellor. Now, I am here to pay homage to our father. And to take royal blessings for the prosperity of the university. The Chancellor was not at the last Convocation due to one reason or the other, but by God’s grace we will come back and invite him formally for this year Convocation.

Responding, the royal father who spoke through his Protocol person assured the university delegates of his support and good wishes for the university, praying for both the staff and students of the institution.

The VC and his team were later ushered to the dining table where there was so much to eat and drink. After eating to satiety, the team was also given take away, a sign of Igala hospitality culture.