Outrage, shock and outright indignation have trailed the recent decision of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Oye-ekiti(FUOYE) granting a clean bill of health to the embattled Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina over allegation of sexual harassment by a staff of the Institution.
Prof Fasina had in the past five months been in the eye of the storm over accusation by a Deputy Director, Works, Mrs Folashade Adebayo whose audio conversation with the VC have been making the rounds.
Infuriated by the latest development, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Pelumi Olajengbesi has sent a strong message to Prof Fasina not to rejoice yet, saying his acquittal can only be short-lived.
Olajengbesi who is the Convener, Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates(COPA), said the University’s actions reflect a blatant disregard for fairness and accountability.
The only way out, according to him, is “for the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to step in immediately to carry out a thorough and independent inquiry into the allegations and prosecute those who have allowed misconduct and Institutional cover-ups to persist.”
He noted that only an investigation conducted by an external, impartial body is essential to restore public faith in the process of justice.
In a press statement, Olajengbesi said: “This matter must not remain an internally managed cover-up but be subjected to full external scrutiny to ensure justice prevails.
“As a legal practitioner committed to justice, accountability, and the protection of human dignity, I find the University’s conclusions and overall posture deeply disturbing.
“The approach taken in this investigation, riddled with institutional bias and procedural recklessness, appears designed to shield the institution’s leadership at the expense of truth and justice.
“In the face of hard-core evidence, including audio recordings, written exchanges, and multiple public disclosures, the outright dismissal of the sexual harassment allegations is not only shocking but profoundly troubling. It sends a chilling message to staff and students alike, implying that no matter the gravity of an accusation, if it involves someone in a position of power, it will be ignored and the complainant vilified.
“For an institution entrusted with raising responsible citizens and fostering moral integrity, the punitive response directed at the complainant, Engr. Folasade Adebayo, coupled with the refusal of the Vice Chancellor to step aside during the investigation, is indefensible. Such conduct not only undermines public confidence but flagrantly violates the principles of natural justice and transparency expected of a modern academic institution.
“Dismissing hard-core evidence while failing in its duty to nurture and raise responsible citizens is not merely surprising—it is a grave breach of the ethical standards expected of a premier educational institution.
“It must be unequivocally stated that, as long as the Vice Chancellor retains control of the institution, no one within the University is in any position to impartially investigate such allegations. His continued leadership taints the entire process and renders any internal findings inherently biased”.
