Former Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, James Adio, has revealed that singer Tiwa Savage’s resilience after her leaked private tape inspired him to remain strong when his own explicit video surfaced online.
Adio disclosed this during an interview with Tiamiyu Adebayo TV on Thursday, saying he refused to give up despite the backlash that followed the circulation of the video.
Drawing a comparison with the Afrobeats star, whose private tape leaked in 2021, the former student leader said her response to the controversy convinced him that he could overcome his own ordeal.
He said: “Tiwa Savage, the popular musician, faced something like this… in fact, I am not half of where she was… but she overcame.”
Adio added: “I have not come this far to give up.”
According to him, he was initially unaware of the online reactions until he later checked his phone.
He said: “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.”
The former SUG president said the support he received from former students also strengthened his resolve to move on.
Reflecting on his emergence as students’ union president, Adio said he defeated 13 other candidates to win the election.
He said: “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.”
Adio said the goodwill he built while serving students became evident after the scandal broke.
He said: “We fought for our students… that’s why when it came out, a lot of students came out to fight.”
He also credited his family, particularly his mother, for helping him through the difficult period.
According to him: “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.”
Adio made headlines in June after FUOYE suspended him over allegations of financial extortion involving newly admitted students, with the university alleging that about N700,000 in unauthorised levies was traced to his account.
Shortly after the suspension, a private explicit video allegedly involving him surfaced on social media, attracting widespread reactions and drawing the attention of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
The university subsequently suspended two students over allegations of cyberbullying and blackmail linked to the circulation of the video.
Despite the twin controversies, Adio has since completed his studies and signed out from the university.
