Sexual Harassment: Ogun State Government suspends Commissioner

The Ogun state government has suspended it’s Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, who was recently alleged to have sexually harassed a 16 year old girl.

You would recall that, the girl Barakat Mayowa, in a video that has since gone viral, had accused the Commissioner of sexually harassing her.

See: Girl accuses Ogun State Commissioner of sexual harassment

The incident occurred at Ita Otu, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner, Hon. Abudu-Balogun, however denied the allegation.

The Ogun State Government, in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi said the suspension would ensure that there is fairness in the investigation.

Talabi said the administration of Dapo Abiodun, Ogun Governor, has zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

The statement read that, “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 SSG assured the public that it will do everything to ensure that justice is served in the case.

The suspended commissioner has been directed to hand over to the permanent secretary, ministry of environment.