Former Federal University, Oye-Ekiti Students’ Union Government President, James Adio, has revealed that singer Tiwa Savage’s resilience after her own leaked private tape inspired him to stay strong when his explicit video surfaced online.
Speaking in an interview with Tiamiyu Adebayo TV on Thursday, conducted in Yoruba and translated by our correspondent, Adio said he refused to give up despite the backlash that followed the viral video.
Drawing a comparison with the Afrobeats star, whose private tape leaked in 2021, Adio said he believed he could overcome the ordeal just as she did.
“Tiwa Savage, the popular musician, faced something like this… in fact, I am not half of where she was… but she overcame.”
He added, “I have not come this far to give up.”
Adio said he was initially unaware of the online reactions until he checked his phone later that day.
“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 student leader said the support he received from former students also strengthened his resolve.
Reflecting on his time as SUG president, Adio described his emergence as a hard-fought victory, revealing that he contested against 13 opponents.
“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.”
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.”
Adio also credited his family, particularly his mother, for giving him the strength 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.”
The former SUG president made headlines in June after FUOYE suspended him over allegations of financial extortion involving newly admitted students, with the university alleging that about ₦700,000 in unauthorised levies was traced to his account.
Shortly after his suspension, a private explicit video allegedly involving him surfaced on social media, triggering widespread reactions online and drawing the attention of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
In the aftermath of the leak, the university 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.
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