The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, should investigate the alleged sexual harassment against the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, Professor Abayomi Fasina.
The Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates, COPA, made the call in a press statement, stressing that only an investigation conducted by an external and impartial body like the ICPC was essential to restore public faith in the process of justice.
The coalition, in a statement by the convener, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, made the call against the backdrop of the declaration by the governing council of FUOYE that Fasina was not guilty of the allegation of sexual harassment against him by a Deputy Director, Works, Mrs Folashade Adebayo.
The coalition said the declaration by the council was incredulous in view of the evidence made available by Adebayo over the allegation.
It would be recalled that following the allegation of sexual harassment by Adebayo against the V-C, the governing council set up a probe committee.
In a statement by the governing council during the week, the council declared that the allegation against the V-C was not true.
But reacting to the declaration of the governing council, the coalition declared that Professor Fasina should not rejoice yet as the acquittal would be short-lived.
It said there was the need for an independent body like the ICPC to probe the alleged sexual harassment by Professor Fasina.
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The statement reads: “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.”
