Former Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Students’ Union Government President, James Adio, has revealed that singer Tiwa Savage’s response to her leaked private tape inspired him to remain resilient after his own explicit video surfaced online.
Speaking in an interview, Adio said he refused to give up despite the backlash and public scrutiny that followed the circulation of the video on social media.
Drawing parallels with the Afrobeats star, whose private tape leaked in 2021, the former student leader said her ability to move on from the controversy gave him hope that he could overcome his own ordeal.
“Tiwa Savage, the popular musician, faced something like this… in fact, I am not half of where she was… but she overcame,” he said.
“I have not come this far to give up.”
Adio disclosed that he was initially unaware of the online reactions to the video until he later checked his phone and saw the comments circulating on social media.
“Going through my phone that day when it happened, I was not even aware of what people were saying online. But when I came online and read through some comments, I was like, ah, if I actually give up, I have failed the people because they actually believe in me,” he said.
He added that the support he received from former students and well-wishers strengthened his resolve during the difficult period.
Reflecting on his time as FUOYE SUG president, Adio described his election victory as a fiercely contested battle, revealing that he defeated 13 opponents to emerge as student leader.
“It was a very tough battle. I had 13 opposition. I have seen life to an extent. A lot of people will be looking for your downfall and that you don’t deserve it. I am young, but I have seen a lot,” he said.
According to him, the goodwill he built while serving students became evident after the scandal broke.
“We fought for our students… that’s why when it came out, a lot of students came out to fight,” he added.
Adio also credited his family, especially his mother, for giving him the emotional support he needed to move forward.
“The number one thing that gave me the push is my mom, my family. I was even thinking my family was going to rebuke me, but it didn’t happen, and that gave me the push I needed,” he said.
The former SUG president made headlines in June after FUOYE suspended him over allegations of financial extortion involving newly admitted students, with the university claiming that about ₦700,000 in unauthorised levies had been traced to his account.
Shortly after his suspension, an explicit video allegedly involving him surfaced online, sparking widespread reactions and attracting the attention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In the aftermath of the incident, the university suspended two students over allegations of cyberbullying and blackmail linked to the circulation of the video.
Despite the controversies, Adio has since completed his studies and formally signed out from the university.
