The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has written a formal letter of complaint to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation(HOCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi – Esan, regarding allegations of sexual harassment brought against the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa.
In a letter addressed to the HOCSF dated May 27, 2024, Tuggar noted the grave nature of the allegation levelled against the permanent secretary, Ambassador Lamuwa, by Mrs Simisola Ajayi, a married woman in the ministry.
He pointed out the imperative of addressing the matter urgently and thoroughly.
The letter was titled, “Re: Official Complaint Regarding Sexual Harassment Of Mrs Simisola Fajemirokun Ajayi By Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa (Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Foreign Affairs).”
It read, “I am compelled to write to inform you of a formal complaint against the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Adamu Lamuwa, on allegations of sexual harassment.
“Bearing in mind the gravity of the matter, I feel it necessary to draw your attention to it and ask that you handle it accordingly,”
The letter included an attachment of the complaint received via email, and Tuggar assured the HOCSF his full cooperation in the investigation.
“May I also assure you that I remain available to provide you with any assistance required in discharging your responsibilities,” he added.
The spokesperson for the Ministry, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, confirmed the authenticity of the complaint to some newsmen on Monday.
The Daily Crucible reports that Ajayi, had in a petition dated May 29, 2024 and addressed to Tuggar, catalogued the litany of the alleged sexual harassment by the permanent secretary.
Ajayi, through her lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), sought a thorough investigation into the actions of Amb. Lamuwa.
The petition, signed by Adebayo A. Oniyelu LP of Falana & Falana’s, was titled “Request For An Investigation Of Amb. Ibrahim Lamuwa’s Conducts Of Sexual Harassment At The Place Of Work, Abuse Of Office, Official Intimidation And Discrimination.”
Ajayi narrated multiple instances of harassment allegedly by Lamuwa, lamenting that the situation has created an unsafe and uncomfortable working environment for her.
She claimed that during a policy retreat on October 7, 2023, Lamuwa allegedly made inappropriate advances towards her, suggesting she joined him in his hotel room.
And while the retreat lasted, he reportedly continued with the inappropriate remarks.
She also recalled an incident on November 10, 2023, where Lamuwa allegedly invited Ajayi to travel to Hong Kong, promising significant personal benefits from the trip if she agreed.
The Daily Crucible tried to contact Ambassador Lawuwa for his reaction without success, however, his comment is still being expected.
