The Senate has confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, brushing aside objections from some lawmakers and protests by civil society organisations over his nomination.
The approval came on Thursday after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello.
Presenting the report, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) urged lawmakers to approve Fasina’s nomination for appointment as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner.
The committee’s recommendation sparked a heated debate on the Senate floor, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole among those who opposed the nomination, while other lawmakers threw their weight behind it. Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, also expressed reservations.
Backing the committee’s position, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi argued that lawmakers should rely on the findings of the relevant investigative authorities rather than allegations.
The committee informed the Senate that the allegations against Fasina had already been investigated by the Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) and the Nigeria Police, both of which found the claims to be unsubstantiated. The FUOYE Governing Council officially cleared Fasina in April 2025, affirming an earlier police investigation that also found no evidence to support the allegations.
“The accusation against Professor Fasina was investigated by competent authorities, including the University Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, which both found the allegation false,” the committee stated.
Akpabio commended the committee for relying on reports from the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university’s governing council before making its recommendation.
He urged senators to base their decisions on verified facts instead of unsubstantiated allegations.
“Honourable senators, we must take our assignments with respect and must not rely on hearsay,” Akpabio said.
Fasina’s confirmation came just days after a coalition of civil society organisations protested at the National Assembly, demanding that the Senate suspend his screening and confirmation.
The protesters cited allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation, insisting that Fasina still had pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja. They urged lawmakers to allow the judicial process to run its course before confirming his appointment.
Despite the opposition, the Senate adopted the committee’s report and confirmed Fasina as a non-career ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.