More than 15,975 people have signed an online petition calling on the United Nations to strip Oladapo Oyebanjo, aka D’Banj of his appointment as United Nations Ambassador for Peace.
They also called the attention of brands such as Heritage Bank Africa, One Africa, CSA Global, and other establishments associated with D’Banj to end their commercial relationships with him and stand in support of victims of sexual violence.
The petition was started by one E. Popoola on Change.Org on Friday.
It read in part, “We call on the United Nations and United Nations Women Africa organisations to remove Nigerian artiste, Mr Dapo Oyebanjo, as a youth ambassador and distance themselves from his actions following the sponsored kidnap of Seyitan who accused D’Banj of rape and sexual assault which happened in 2018.
“Women in Nigeria are increasingly at risk of sexual violence and the United Nations and United Nations Women Africa as an entity committed to the empowerment of women should not be seen to associate themselves with alleged rapists, abusers, and kidnappers.
“We ask the United Nations and United Nations Women Africa to support and lend their influence in helping Seyitan get justice for the abuse she endured in 2018 and the harassment and bullying in the past weeks.”
The musician has denied the allegations and asked his accuser to make a public apology and also pay him the sum of N100m in damages.
On Tuesday, however, some policemen allegedly acting on the instruction of the Oliver Twist crooner detained Seyitan for over 24 hours and intimidated her, making her to delete all chats, social media posts and other vital information from her phone.
But in an interesting turn of event, the alleged rape victim, Seyitan, has been giving conflicting reports via her social media handles.
In a tweet thread, Seyitan debunked viral reports that she was arrested by policemen acting on the orders of the “Koko master.’’
The tweets read in part; “To be very honest, this was never our intention, we love you guys, let’s leave our life stress free #StressByDbanj. I’m done with all these back and forth drama…I’m moving on and leaving everything behind me. Thanks and God bless.
‘’I don’t know where all these rumours are coming from. I and my mum were not and have not been arrested.’’
Meanwhile, Glee Hotel management had also refuted reports that the rape incident happened in their hotel. The hotel said the victim’s name was not on their record as a guest.
Celebrities like Rita Dominic, Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, Shola Dorcas Fapson and Timini Egbuson have also demanded that a thorough investigation should be carried out to identify the real victim.
IG orders probe
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered a probe into the allegations of rape levelled against D’Banj.
This is contained in a letter with reference number CB.7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOl.484/801 signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IG, DCP Idowu Owohunwa.
The letter was addressed to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
The IG’s letter was in response to a petition written to the IG by Mr. Tommy Ojoge-Daniel, counsel for Miss Seyitan Babatayo.
The letter written by the IG is titled, ‘Re: Petition Against (1) Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (Aka D’Banj) for Rape Indecent Sexual Assault, Attempted Assault on Miss Seyitan Temidayo.
The letter read in part, “I forward herewith copy of letter dated June 5, 2020 received from Ojoge, Omileye and Partners on the above underlined subject. I am to respectfully convey the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you treat (sic).
“Accept the assurances of my esteemed regards please.”