A coalition of more than 300 civil society organisations has urged the Nigerian Senate to withhold confirmation of former Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Vice-Chancellor, Abayomi Sunday Fasina, as an ambassadorial nominee, citing unresolved allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office and workplace victimisation.
The coalition, led by Womanifesto and supported by prominent advocacy groups and activists, submitted a petition to the Senate ahead of the screening of ambassadorial nominees, calling for the suspension of Fasina’s confirmation until all pending criminal and civil cases against him are determined by the courts.
Among the signatories to the petition are Oby Ezekwesili, FIDA Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Bring Back Our Girls, and several other women’s rights and governance organisations.
The petition, dated June 25, 2026, was signed by Womanifesto Co-Convener, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, and addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio through the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Abubakar Sani Bello.
Copies were also forwarded to the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to the coalition, Fasina is facing ongoing criminal and civil proceedings arising from allegations of sexual harassment, workplace intimidation and abuse of office during his tenure as vice-chancellor. The groups argued that while every citizen enjoys the constitutional presumption of innocence, ambassadorial appointments require individuals whose integrity is beyond reproach because they represent Nigeria’s values and international image.
The petitioners further contended that confirming a nominee facing unresolved allegations could damage Nigeria’s reputation and weaken public confidence in institutions responsible for accountability and justice.
They also cited ongoing proceedings before the National Industrial Court and criminal matters allegedly initiated following investigations by the ICPC. The coalition maintained that confirming Fasina before the conclusion of those cases would send the wrong signal regarding Nigeria’s commitment to combating sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and abuse of power.
However, supporters of the former vice-chancellor have dismissed the campaign against his nomination as politically motivated.
A group known as FUOYE Progressives, made up of students, alumni and staff of the university, argued that allegations against Fasina had already been investigated by relevant authorities and that he was cleared of wrongdoing.
The group’s spokesperson, Dr. Kehinde Alao, said investigations conducted by the police and successive FUOYE governing councils found no evidence to substantiate the accusations against the former vice-chancellor.
Fasina has consistently denied all allegations. During the controversy surrounding the claims while in office, he maintained that he did not sexually harass the complainant and challenged aspects of the ICPC investigation in court.
The coalition nevertheless insisted that the Senate’s constitutional responsibility goes beyond verifying formal qualifications and includes assessing the integrity, character and public credibility of nominees seeking positions of national importance.
It therefore urged lawmakers to suspend consideration of Fasina’s nomination until all pending legal proceedings are conclusively resolved, arguing that doing otherwise could undermine public trust in the rule of law and Nigeria’s commitment to accountability.
