Father, girl ‘withdraw case’ after Ogun Commissioner accused of sexual harassment suspended

The father, and the 16 years old girl who accused suspended Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, of alleged sexually harassment have withdrawn their case from the court of public opinion.

Curiously, both have offered no public apology to the commissioner, leading to speculations that some form of “agreement or settlement” may have been reached.

Her father, Adesola, whose video went public a while ago after his daughter’s own said: “There were a few misconception and misunderstanding along the line between my daughter and the Commission.

“Having discovered this, I deem it fit to inform the public and the international community that this matter should be laid to rest.

“As the father to Melojuekun Barakat, I want to appeal to the public, the international community and the media that I don’t have interest in this matter again.

“I am withdrawing my case and I want them to support me the same way they did in the beginning of this matter.”

Recall that on Sunday evening, the Ogun State government directed Abudu-Balogun to proceed on suspension and immediately hand over to the Permanent Secretary in his Ministry.

In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, said the commissioner will remain out of office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into an allegation by16-year old Barakat Mayowa Melojuekun.

Abudu-Balogun was advised to cooperate fully with the Police on the probe.

“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 read.

The Ogun State government assured that justice will be served in the matter.

Barakat had in a viral video on Saturday accused the Abudu-Balogun of sexual harassment including fondling her breasts in his house and reciting incantations.