Abiola Oke, who served as the CEO and publisher of indie music websites Okayplayer and OkayAfrica, has stepped down from his position in the wake of multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior and fostering a toxic work environment, largely voiced on Twitter by women.
These allegations surfaced on Tuesday, June 23 and continue to be shared by more women. The women levied various accusations against Oke, including drugging, bullying, sexual coercion, sexual assault, sexism, and unethical conduct.
They also accused Oke of exploiting Black women. Many of the women who worked with Okayplayer and OkayAfrica expressed that the exploitation and toxic work environment had caused them trauma. They further conveyed that the company’s pride in employing Black women was merely for “optics” and that the women were exploited.
Following these accusations, American musician Questlove, a co-founder of Okayplayer, released a statement on Instagram.
In the statement, it was disclosed that Oke had resigned and that the company had severed all ties with him.
The statement reads: “Effective immediately, we have severed all ties and accepted the resignation of Abiola Oke as CEO and Publisher of Okayplayer and OkayAfrica. We take the allegations that have surfaced very seriously, and we stand with the brave women who came forward.”
Questlove added in the caption. “More announcements coming up. This was long overdue.”
The statement also said that an outside party will investigate the company’s policies and practices.
“We’re committed to creating a work environment that’s inclusive and respectful for all,” the statement said.
Rachel Hislop, Editor in Chief of OkayAfrica, was also called out for her “complicity” and she released a statement on Twitter.
“I fully support all of the women who have come forward to detail their experiences while working at OkayAfrica and Okayplayer. You are heard and validated,” she began in her statement.
She added: “Reading your accounts of your time with the company was a gut check of all of the ways I may have been complicit in adhering to an archaic media structure that simply is not built to prioritize Black women. I am truly sorry that these are experiences you have to carry as a result…”
