Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has firmly dismissed media reports alleging that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused him of sexual harassment, labeling the claims as a misrepresentation of facts.
The controversy stemmed from a report suggesting that Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, stated during Wednesday’s plenary that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously leveled such an accusation against Fayemi. However, Fayemi’s media office swiftly debunked the narrative. In a statement by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, head of the media office, it was clarified that “Senator Fasuyi never made such an allegation.”
The statement elaborated: “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, Sajoh explained, Fasuyi had referenced past “false and defamatory claims” by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Fayemi during his tenure as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, specifically concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company. “At no point did Senator Fasuyi link Dr. Fayemi to any allegations of sexual misconduct by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the statement emphasized.
Sajoh further asserted, “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.” The rebuttal seeks to set the record straight amid the swirling controversy, underscoring Fayemi’s stance against what he deems a baseless smear.