Adebayo Adenrele
The Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has refuted the claims making the round that former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi collected the artworks of an Ekiti-based Artist, Abejide, without making payment.
According to the Ministry, the art exhibition was sponsored by the first lady at Adetiloye Hall, Ado-Ekiti, from 14th to 17th October, 2020 where she visited the exhibition venue on 16th and awarded monetary gifts to ten artists whose works were adjudged outstanding.
During the visit, Erelu Fayemi expressed interest in two artworks by Abejide and requested that he bring the works to her office after the conclusion of the exhibition for the purpose of purchase.
However, no artwork was neither collected from Abejide at the venue, nor any negotiation made with him for his works till the exhibition formally ended in the evening of 17th October, 2020.
Contrary to expectations, 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.
While an intention to purchase was clearly expressed, the necessary follow-up actions such as delivery of the artworks and negotiation of prices were never undertaken by the artist.
The Ministry finds it misleading and unjustifiable for Abejide, six years after the event, to attribute blame to the former First Lady for circumstances arising from his own inaction.
They described the allegations as a clear misrepresentation of facts and malicious and a calculated attempt to unfairly malign the former first lady.
