Protesters Disrupt National Assembly Over Ambassadorial Nominee Amid Harassment Allegations
Civil society groups stormed Nigeria's National Assembly to protest the screening of Abayomi Fasina as ambassador, citing a pending court case alleging sexual harassment during his tenure as vice chancellor of FUOYE.
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Civil society protesters disrupted proceedings at Nigeria's National Assembly on Tuesday, demanding the suspension of the screening process for ambassadorial nominee Abayomi Fasina. The coalition of civil society organisations cited a pending court case alleging sexual harassment against Fasina during his tenure as vice chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), according to Premium Times.
The protesters, operating under the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, entered the National Assembly complex in Abuja to voice opposition to the nomination put forward by President Bola Tinubu. They argue that Fasina’s ongoing legal proceedings undermine his suitability for a diplomatic appointment. Specifically, the allegations involve Folasade Adebayo, a former deputy director and engineer at FUOYE, who accused Fasina of sexual harassment—a case currently before the courts, Premium Times reported.
Naija News confirmed the demonstration took place on July 7, 2026, describing the protest as a direct action against the Senate’s consideration of Fasina’s credentials. The coalition called on legislative authorities to halt the screening until the judicial process concludes. No official response from the National Assembly or the Office of the President was reported by either outlet at the time of publication.
The incident underscores growing scrutiny of public officials’ ethical conduct, particularly regarding gender-based allegations in academic and governmental institutions. With the case still active in court, the controversy places pressure on Nigeria’s executive and legislative branches to reconcile diplomatic appointments with accountability mechanisms.