Date: 25 June, 2026
By Jane Daniel
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the ambassadorial nomination of former FUOYE Vice- Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, over unresolved court cases bordering on alleged sexual harassment, abuse of office and workplace victimisation.
The groups, including Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion, Gender Mobile Initiative, Hope Behind Bars Africa and others, said confirming Fasina as a non-career ambassador could erode public confidence in accountability and the rule of law.
The CSOs, in a joint statement on Wednesday, noted that criminal and civil cases arising from the allegations remain pending in various courts and should be concluded before any diplomatic appointment.
“We have closely monitored developments surrounding allegations made against Professor Fasina.
“These allegations have not only attracted significant public concern but have also resulted in both criminal and civil proceedings that remain unresolved.”
The coalition said previous complaints prompted an investigation by the ICPC, which later initiated criminal proceedings, while other cases involving alleged sexual harassment and workplace victimisation are before the National Industrial Court in Abuja and Lagos.
“It is equally a matter of public record that related proceedings concerning allegations of sexual harassment and workplace victimisation are also pending before the National Industrial Court in Abuja and Lagos by different victims, indicating a habitual pattern.”
The groups argued that ambassadors must possess unquestionable integrity, warning that appointing anyone facing such allegations could send the wrong signal on accountability and justice.
“The nomination of an individual who is presently the subject of ongoing criminal and civil proceedings arising from allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and human rights violations risks creating the perception that accountability mechanisms can be rendered inconsequential where the individuals involved possess sufficient influence or status.
“Such a perception is particularly damaging at a time when survivors of sexual violence continue to face significant barriers in reporting abuse, accessing justice, and obtaining institutional protection.”
The organisations also cited Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties, including CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol.
“Appointments to high public office should reflect, and not undermine, these commitments”.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to suspend the nomination pending the determination of all legal proceedings and called on the National Assembly to subject it to thorough scrutiny.
The controversy dates back to 2024 when a FUOYE lecturer, Folashade Adebayo, accused Fasina of sexual harassment and victimisation. Although a university council panel later cleared him, the matter remains the subject of public debate and legal action.
