Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has suspended the Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, from office for alleged sexual harassment of a teenage girl.
The state government said the commissioner’s suspension would subsist until the conclusion of an independent investigation into the allegation.
Abudu-Balogun was alleged to have sexually harassed by 16-year-old Barakat Melojuekun.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, in a statement in Abeokuta, on Sunday, said the suspension of the commissioner was to enable him to cooperate fully with the police currently carrying out an independent investigation on the matter.
According to the statement, “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.”