Leaked Audio Reveals Federal University Oye-Ekiti Vice Chancellor Fasina’s Regret Over Sexual Harassment Scandal Involving Married Staff Member

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has has said he regrets making romantic advances to Engineer Folasade Adebayo, Deputy Director at the university’s Directorate of Works and Services, following the exposure of his romantic advances.

The incident has fueled allegations of sexual harassment involving the vice-chancellor and female staff members.

In an audio recording obtained by SaharaReporters, Fasina admitted to making romantic advances toward Adebayo and expressed frustration over the public disclosure of their interaction.

“I thought you were a mature person,” Fasina was heard saying in the recording. He also described Adebayo as “toxic and dangerous” for discussing the matter with others.

In September 2024, when contacted by SaharaReporters, Adebayo confirmed the harassment allegations but stated that she needed to consult with her family before speaking further.

Meanwhile, Barrister Enny, FUOYE’s Director of Legal and a member of the investigative panel handling the case, dismissed the allegations during a phone interview in September, stating that such discussions were inappropriate on the phone.

On February 5, 2024, in a letter obtained by SaharaReporters, Adebayo wrote to the Branch Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), requesting an investigation into rumors of a petition and allegations of harassment within the institution.

The letter reads, “Sir, recall that you asked me on a particular rumour that bordered on my integrity – a case of an alleged immorality and a presumed petition against the Vice-Chancellor and we discussed.

“Even though I do not wish to say anything further on this spurious allegation, I found it very unpalatable to still discover that this unfounded story spread on campus. Please, find attached a message sent by a number that was not in my phone contact for evidence.

“To put the record straight, I have not written any petition and I don’t intend to, under whatever name. However, on the alleged immorality and subsequent bullying, I humbly request that this respected Union investigates the issue and save me from further defamation of character and harassment.

“As a union, an injury to one is an injury to all. I make bold to say that I have never involved myself in any immoral act or relationship and I will never do.”

“Thanks for your care and concern always, and looking forward to the report of your thorough investigation,” she added.

Meanwhile, during an inspection of a project on the school campus, Fasina questioned Adebayo to know how their conversation was leaked to a third party.

Fasina: Why did you reveal our discussion?

Adebayo:  Me! I never do such.

Fasina: Well, why I called you, somebody told me and I know it is from you.

Adebayo:  I can never.

Fasina: He told me that I was even making advances toward you.

Adebayo: Me?

Fasina: It was so obvious that it was you. He said, I make advances with you, that if I’m doing that, that I should stop. Then that I even said that we gave some people money to manipulate appointment for the registrar, many things and I was like, haba! Adebayo, how could you do that to me? Nobody will know that I made advances toward you. I don’t think anyone would ever find out.

Number two, nobody will know that, he said SSS called him in Abuja blah blah on the matter, so it means you have not learned your lesson. I will tell you why. You had issue with Soremekun, nothing bad in making advances to you, you have options to say no.

But don’t begin to externalize, begin to tell people, you are making a mockery of yourself because number one, you are not only the woman on the campus. Many others are also making advances with the vice-chancellor, it is not all those who make advances to me I accepted.

Many ladies make advances to me, but the point is, the fact that someone makes advances toward you does not mean you should respond. It shows no maturity and then you are exposing yourself more to danger.

Because people will know definitely that you are the architect of your problem. Somebody told me, saying, ‘What is the problem with this girl? If she has a problem with Soremekun, and she has a problem with you, what’s going on?’ The person also said, ‘It’s part of what I did for you. Even if I made romantic advances towards you, even if I did that, I apologise for it.

I have already apologized, and that’s why I blocked you on my phone. Today, I was forced to call you, but I don’t want any interaction with you, which is why I said Akin needs to be here. However, I didn’t want Akin to know about this.

Adebayo: Excuse me sir, what you are saying is like blackmail.

Fasina: It is not blackmail; the person called me and told me, I recorded it.

Adebayo: Did you ever ask him who told him? I never called Noah, let me call him.

Fasina: He told me that even the people in DSS office are calling that this is what the situation is. I don’t even know who you discussed with, if it wasn’t you that told him, he won’t say it.

He said that someone made advances toward you, harassed you, and claimed they wanted to have fun with you. He told me that if I did that, I should stop. He affirmed to me that I am a man of good standing as a Christian. If you’ve really told some people about it, please stop.

He also mentioned that they called him from the SSS office. How can someone outside know what is happening here?

Adebayo: I want you to give me a fair hearing, you remember the time you called me last that Sobowale said something.

Fasina: No, even as of yesterday night, Sobowale was in my house. Sade, let me tell you.

Adebayo: Oga, let me talk.

Fasina: I will not, I will not, because you cannot convince me.

Adebayo: I don’t need to convince you, the truth needs to be told.

Fasina: As you see me now, the mistake I ever did in my life is that I made love advances to you. If I like someone, that is my way of showing it. You are a married woman so. But the point is that I felt we should be.

For me you can go, but I have said what is on my mind and Sobowale also said it. The person that told him are up to six, and they didn’t speak very well. Sobowale said you are not mature.

Adebayo: Sir, let me say something.

Fasina said: I thought you were a good Christian. Sobowale said why would I backdate someone’s appointment? I have a plan and the passion to pursue it. If someone offends me, I will apply the same passion to dislike that person.

Adebayo: Oga, excuse me sir, let me say something.

Fasina: I brought Olaiye back and I told Olaiye that you offended me through UIK and these people, but you have learned your lesson, that’s me. And I said I have forgiven you.

Adebayo: Please, let me say something.

Fasina: If you like, be recording me ooo.

Adebayo: How would I record you? I was trying show you that I did not call him.

Fasina: No, just go ahead.

Adebayo: The number one thing is that I don’t expect you to expose our conversation to anyone. I felt bad that day, and when I called you, you said it was no problem. That’s beside the point.

You know I will never do such thing, you may not believe me.

Fasina: I have heard you. I told the management that they should be very careful with you. If someone can tell Noah that we paid money for the appointment of the registrar and bursar, that’s a serious issue.

You are not the person Noah is referring to. He spoke with me, and you know I’m not a child.

Adebayo: Call input call across Noa?

Fasina: No, I’m not interested.

Adebayo: I never called him.

Fasina: I have to be very careful with you. You can never be clever than me. I was shocked and I told my wife. I put the phone on speaker; my wife heard it. My wife said what.

Adebayo: Please, allow me to also talk, sir.

Fasina: If not for what transpired between us, I have concluded that I don’t want to have anything to do with you again. I have blocked you and don’t want any further dealings with you because I see that you are dangerous.

Adebayo: Please, allow me to talk. I’m not dangerous, sir.

Fasina: You are toxic and dangerous.

Adebayo: I’m not dangerous sir, could you remember that I called you when you were in Ilorin. You said you will call me back. I wanted to come and see you; you said we can talk about it on phone.

Fasina: You said you were sick, shivering, I said they should give you sick leave and the person said he cannot add another week because it is not only the VC that has the right to give additional one week.

Adebayo: They lied to you, I never asked for another one week.

Fasina: I don’t know, but the point is that I came in on that Monday, you told me that you are sick with the hope of speaking to you.

Adebayo: Oga, I never wronged you, they are just assuming. I told you that I want to see you that the conversation is not something we can discuss on the phone.

Fasina: If another ear heard what transpired between us… When Noah was telling me, I was like what. I asked him who told him about what happened. He said, ‘Well, he got information from SSS,’ that probably blah blah blah. He said SSS called him and told him that I’m threatening you and that’s the same scenario with Soremekun.

Adedayo: I don’t have any scenario with Soremekun.

Fasina: I could remember that oga told me but I don’t want to discuss about it. Let me tell you, I know the story from the beginning to the end.

Adebayo: Oga, is that why you are angry with me?

Fasina: No, I don’t have anything to do with you anymore. I told you that if I have ever made any romantic advances towards you, I apologize. I don’t want to see you. Between me and God, I thought you were mature.

Adebayo: Oga, you know you told me something could happen between us, but I told you that it is not possible.

Fasina: Please, I’m so sorry for making advances toward you. Let it stop here. Let me tell you, Sade, there are thousands of ladies on this campus, and I don’t want anything to do with them.

And number two, when you relate with people, I thought you were someone mature I could relate with. I also told you that the reason I wanted you on my side was because I believed you could handle this project well for two years. I thought that if I left, you would be able to manage it properly.

Adebayo: Yes, I can do it well sir.

Fasina: No, Adebayo, I don’t trust you again and I cannot work with you again. You have been working with me for close to two and a half years, and by now, you should know that if I like you with a passion, then if you offend me, I will use the same passion to hate you.

I don’t want my case to end up like Yomi’s. I thought I had done so much for you, trying to lift you from where you were. It takes me a long time to trust people, and what that guy told me scared me. I believe neither he nor the DSS (SSS) is working with me here. Were they there when I made romantic advances to you?

They were not there when I made romantic advances to you, how did they know? Who told them?

Adebayo: I never told anybody. I wanted to ask you something.

Fasina: You don’t need to ask me anything. You have to be very careful.

On July 29, 2024, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, in a query letter from the Office of the Registrar, wrote to Engr. Folasade O. Adebayo (Ref: FUOYE/REG/PEO/SQ/223/Vol.5/018) to inquire why she was absent from her duty post during the Vice-Chancellor’s visit to her office.

The letter described her absence as highly unbecoming of a responsible officer

The letter read, “The University Management noted with dismay that on Friday, 26th July, 2024, you were not at your duty post when the Vice-Chancellor visited your office. This is highly unbecoming of a responsible officer.

“This act is tantamount to misconduct according to the Regulations Governing the Conditions of Service of Staff in the University which state among others that “misconduct includes absence from duty without permission.

“You are therefore requested to explain in writing why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for this act of misconduct.

“Your response should be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of this memo, and in any case not later than 4:00pm on Wednesday, 31st July, 2024.”

“This is for your information and strict compliance,” the letter added.

Meanwhile, on November 26, 2024, SaharaReporters reported that the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) chapter, raised allegations against the institution’s VC, Professor Fasina.

The union accused Fasina of engaging in sexual harassment, victimising union members, and creating a hostile working environment for staff members.

The union further called for a comprehensive investigation into the university’s financial operations during Fasina’s tenure, seeking transparency and accountability in the management of university funds.

SSANU claimed that the vice chancellor’s actions had led to widespread intimidation of staff, particularly those involved in union activities, and had undermined the institution’s integrity.

The union’s demands for an independent probe come amid growing concerns over the governance and working conditions at FUOYE, with members calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities to address the allegations and restore a conducive environment for staff and students alike.

The joint statement was signed by Benjamin Faleye, SSANU Chairman; Emmanuel Akinsola, Financial Secretary; Simeon Olausi, Vice-Chairman; Ramidele Eleniola, Public Relations Officer; Ayomikun Aluke, Secretary; Barnabas Nwokeke, Trustee; Teri Kwabe Vandi, Treasurer; and Abosede Olufemi-Awalakkan, Women Leader.

SSANU further accused Prof. Fasina of abuse of office, undermining confidence in university leadership, and administrative recklessness.

The union claimed that the vice chancellor’s actions had severely affected the morale of staff and led to a breakdown of communication and trust within the institution.

According to the union, the alleged misconduct extended to the intimidation of staff who voiced concerns, including those involved in union activities.

SSANU also accused the vice chancellor of lacking accountability in handling administrative matters, leading to a dysfunctional environment at the university.