Ogun: Gov. Abiodun Suspends Commissioner Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has suspended the Commissioner for Environment in the state, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, for alleged sexual harassment of an underaged girl.

The Ogun State Government noted that the suspension of the commissioner will last pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the allegation.

Abudu-Balogun was accused of sexual harassment by a 16-year-old, Barakat Melojuekun.

The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, in a statement released on Sunday, said the suspension of the commissioner is to enable him to cooperate fully with the independent investigation being carried out by the Police.

The statement read “whilst taking cognizance of the principle of a suspect being presumed innocent until proven guilty and the public statement issued by Hon. Abudu-Balogun denying the allegation, as a government with zero tolerance for gender-based violence and indeed any criminality, the suspension is a further demonstration of the commitment of Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration to fairness, equity, justice and the rule of law, no matter who is involved.”

“The government assures the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in this case.”

“In the meantime, the suspended Commissioner has been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment.”

In a related development, the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano has pardoned and reinstated three suspended traditional rulers in the state in the spirit of the new year.

The three monarchs were among the 13 traditional ruler’s suspended in office for travelling to Abuja with an oil mogul, Arthur Eze, to see President Muhammadu Buhari without the state government’s approval.