The Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has faulted the publication by Sahara Reporters, containing allegations credited to Mr. Abejide, an Ekiti-based artist, where he alleged that the former First Lady of Ekiti, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, collected his artworks during an exhibition in 2020.
The Ministry, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, described the publication as false, misleading, malicious, and a calculated attempt to unfairly malign the person and office of Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who is a great lover and supporter of Arts.
According to the statement, the art exhibition in question was generously sponsored by Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and was held at Adetiloye Hall, Ado-Ekiti, from 14th to 17th October, 2020, with the aim of showcasing Ekiti works to the world.
It reads: “On 16th October, 2020, Erelu Fayemi visited the exhibition venue, where she awarded monetary gifts to ten (10) artists whose works were adjudged outstanding.
“During the visit, Erelu Fayemi expressed interest in two artworks by Mr. Abejide and requested that he bring the works to her office after the conclusion of the exhibition for the purpose of purchase. “No artwork was collected from Mr. Abejide at the venue, nor was any negotiation made with Mr. Abejide for his works. The exhibition formally ended in the evening of 17th October, 2020.
“Contrary to expectations, Mr. Abejide neither delivered the artworks to the former First Lady’s office nor handed them over to any designated official or representative. At no point did Erelu Bisi Fayemi purchase or take possession of any artwork belonging to Mr. Abejide.
The statement explains that while an intention to purchase was clearly expressed, the necessary follow-up actions, delivery of the artworks and negotiation of prices were never undertaken by the artist.
When questioned regarding his recent claims, however, Mr. Abejide reportedly stated that he left the artworks in the hall because he assumed that staff of the former First Lady would return to the exhibition venue days later to collect the artworks.
“The Ministry finds this assumption unfounded and illogical, as no prior communication, authorization, or arrangement was made to that effect. It is therefore misleading and unjustifiable for Mr. Abejide, six years after the event, to attribute blame to the former First Lady for circumstances arising from his own inaction.
“It is very troubling that Sahara Reporters could publish these allegations without due verification, thereby giving currency to an unfounded narrative against the former First Lady. While urging Sahara Reporters to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by not always being too quick to besmirch people’s reputation and by going further to correct the record in line with the facts stated above, the Ministry urges members of the public to disregard the false narrative and rely on the verified facts as hereby presented.
