Former Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Students’ Union Government President, James Adio, has revealed that Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage played an unexpected role in helping him cope after an explicit video allegedly involving him surfaced online.
Speaking during an interview with Tiamiyu Adebayo TV, Adio said he found strength in the singer’s response to a similar controversy, believing that if she could move past such an experience, he could also rebuild his life.
Looking beyond public criticism
According to Adio, he was initially unaware of the online reactions that followed the circulation of the video.
He explained that it was only after checking his phone later that he realised the incident had generated widespread attention on social media.
Despite the criticism, he said giving up was never an option because many people still believed in him.
Referring to Tiwa Savage’s leaked private tape in 2021, Adio said her ability to continue her career despite public scrutiny encouraged him to remain focused.
He noted that while the singer endured intense attention, she refused to allow the controversy to define her, a mindset he decided to adopt.
Support from students strengthened his resolve
Adio said the encouragement he received from former students also helped him recover from the difficult period.
Reflecting on his election as FUOYE SUG president, he described the contest as one of the toughest moments of his student leadership journey, saying he emerged victorious after competing against 13 other candidates.
According to him, the support he received during the controversy reflected the relationship he built while serving the student community.
He added that many students publicly stood by him because of the work he carried out during his tenure.
Family stood by him
The former student leader also credited his family, especially his mother, for helping him remain emotionally strong.
He admitted he expected criticism from relatives following the incident but was instead met with encouragement, which gave him the confidence to move forward.
Background to the controversy
DailyInsightNG understands that Adio came under public scrutiny in June after FUOYE suspended him over allegations of collecting unauthorised levies from newly admitted students.
The university alleged that about ₦700,000 linked to the payments was traced to his bank account.
Shortly after the suspension, an explicit video allegedly involving him appeared online, attracting widespread reactions across social media platforms.
Information available to DailyInsightNG also indicates that the university later suspended two students over allegations of cyberbullying and blackmail connected to the circulation of the video.
Moving on after the incident
Despite the controversies surrounding his final months as student union president, Adio has completed his academic programme and officially signed out from the university.
His latest comments suggest he is determined to focus on the future while leaving the difficult chapter behind.