The attention of the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has been drawn to a recent publication by Sahara Reporters, containing allegations credited to Mr. Abejide, an Ekiti-based artist, concerning the alleged collection of his artworks by the former First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
The Ministry considers it necessary to set the record straight by stating the verified facts of the matter.
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.
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. Instead, he left the artworks unattended in the exhibition hall and vacated the venue without notifying anyone or making further contact.
At no point did Erelu Bisi Fayemi purchase or take possession of any artwork belonging to Mr. Abejide.
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. Indeed, Mr. Abejide did not negotiate or communicate the prices of the artworks to anyone.
When questioned regarding his recent claims however, Mr. Abejide reportedly stated that he merely 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. The allegations, as published, are a clear misrepresentation of facts. The Ministry considers them 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.
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.