Ogun Govt suspends Commissioner over alleged sexual harassment
By Moshood Adebayo
Amid allegation of sexual harassment by a secondary school student, the Ogun State Government has suspended Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, from office.
Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun, 16, had in a video which went viral over the weekend alleged that the former member of the House of Representative, Abudu-Balogun fondled her breasts amid other lustful actions by him.
Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, in a statement said the suspension of the commissioner was 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 statement continued.
Talabi stated further: ‘’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.’
