Kindly release the report. Thanks! https://t.co/8n7aOnUi8Q
— 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) July 7, 2020
Remember allegations of sexual harassment made against Kendall Ananyi, Tizeti’s CEO? Well, the company has announced the findings of its independent investigations and has reinstated Ananyi as CEO.
Kelechi Udoagwu, an Accra-based Nigerian tech entrepreneur/consultant, accused Kendall Ananyi, the founder/CEO of Tizeti sexual harassment. The allegation spurred a lot of response from stakeholders in Nigeria’s and Africa’s tech ecosystem, including MEST.
We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment and assault at MEST and within the MEST community. We will stand behind you and help escalate action if you wish. We have privately DM’d you as well.
— MEST Africa (@MESTAfrica) June 3, 2020
Ananyi denied the allegations made against him. “Kelechi and I never had any mentorship session and I never sexually harassed or raped her,” he said.
Tizeti then released a statement in which it said Ananyi was asked to step down from his role as CEO, while an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegation is conducted. Patricia Aiyedun, Tizeti’s CFO and Ifeayi Okokwo, the company’s COO became co-CEOs.
Investigation has ended
The company last night announced it has completed its independent investigation into the allegation. In the report, the company said it appointed the law firm of Olumide Sofowora Chambers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olumide Sofowora, as independent legal counsel to conduct the investigation.
“Based on this investigation, it was determined by the independent legal counsel, which conclusion was accepted by the Independent Special Investigation Committee, that a case of sexual harassment had not been established. As a result, Mr. Ananyi has been reinstated as CEO of Tizeti Inc., with Mr. Okonkwo and Ms. Aiyedun returning to their COO and CFO roles, respectively,” Tizeti stated.
But stakeholders in the tech ecosystem have expressed their dissatisfaction with the investigation. Jason Njoku disclosed that one of the co-founders has resigned.
Accurate. Hence my disappointment. The least they could have done given circumstance is publicly release the report. Besides even if Kendall is innocent of harassment there should be some consequence for misconduct.. you can't just replace.. thats not justice.. anyway… https://t.co/ry7RXEd1kG
— E (@iaboyeji) July 7, 2020
