The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has vehemently denied a media report claiming that he was accused of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central. The report, published by an online platform (not FRONTPAGE), alleged that Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North) made the claim during Wednesday’s Senate plenary. However, Fayemi’s media office has dismissed the report as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the facts.
Fayemi’s Media Office Clarifies the Situation
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ahmad Sajoh, Head of the Fayemi Media Office, refuted the allegations, stating that the report was a distortion of Senator Fasuyi’s actual comments during the plenary. Sajoh emphasized that a review of the proceedings confirmed that Senator Fasuyi never accused Fayemi of sexual harassment.
“Our attention has been drawn to a news report published by The Cable regarding an alleged statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary. According to the report, Senator Fasuyi purportedly claimed that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, of sexual harassment,” the statement read.
“We wish to categorically state that this report is inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the actual comments made by the Distinguished Senator from Ekiti. Upon reviewing the proceedings, it is evident that Senator Fasuyi never made such an allegation. Instead, what he actually stated was that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had, in the past, made false and defamatory claims against Dr. Fayemi when he served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, specifically regarding issues related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company.”
No Prior Allegations of Misconduct
Sajoh further clarified that neither Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan nor anyone else had ever accused Fayemi of sexual misconduct. He described the former governor as a public servant who has always upheld the highest standards of integrity.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to reiterate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—has never accused Dr. Fayemi of any form of sexual misconduct. Dr. Fayemi has always upheld the highest standards of integrity in public service, and we strongly reject any attempt by the media to associate his name with baseless and damaging allegations,” the statement added.
Professional Engagements with Akpoti-Uduaghan
The statement also addressed Fayemi’s past interactions with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that their engagements were strictly professional and centered on policy differences, particularly regarding the Ajaokuta Steel Company. Fayemi’s media office stressed that the former governor has no interest in being drawn into the ongoing controversies in the Senate.
“Furthermore, we wish to make it clear that Dr. Fayemi has no interest in being drawn into the ongoing controversy in the Senate. His past engagements with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were strictly professional, and any differences that arose were purely based on divergent policy perspectives, not personal grievances,” Sajoh stated.
Call for Ethical Journalism
Fayemi’s media office urged the media to exercise caution and verify facts before publishing stories that could damage reputations and undermine public trust. The statement called for adherence to the highest standards of ethical journalism, warning against sensationalism and the spread of misleading narratives.
“We urge the media to adhere to the highest standards of ethical journalism by verifying facts before publication. Sensationalism and the spread of misleading narratives not only damage reputations but also undermine public trust in the media,” the statement concluded.
Background on Fayemi and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Dispute
The controversy stems from past disagreements between Fayemi and Akpoti-Uduaghan during his tenure as Minister of Mines and Steel Development. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal advocate for the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, had criticized Fayemi’s handling of the project, accusing him of mismanagement and lack of transparency. These criticisms led to a public exchange of words, but the disputes were rooted in policy differences rather than personal grievances.
Public Reaction and Implications
The denial of the sexual harassment allegations has sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some have expressed relief that the report was debunked, others have called for greater accountability and transparency in media reporting. The incident highlights the challenges public figures face in combating false narratives and maintaining their reputations in the age of rapid information dissemination.
For Fayemi, the clarification serves to reinforce his image as a public servant committed to integrity and professionalism. However, the incident also underscores the need for media organizations to prioritize accuracy and responsible journalism, particularly when reporting on sensitive issues that can have far-reaching consequences.
Conclusion
Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s media office has firmly denied the allegations of sexual harassment, describing the media report as inaccurate and misleading. The statement emphasized that Senator Cyril Fasuyi never made such claims during the Senate plenary and that Fayemi’s past engagements with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were strictly professional. As the former governor continues to focus on his contributions to public service, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical journalism and the need to verify facts before publishing potentially damaging stories.
