Dr. Ayodeji Sasegbon has initiated a lawsuit totaling N108 billion against TotalEnergies E & P Nigeria Limited and its parent company, TotalEnergies SE, claiming wrongful termination of his employment as a Process Engineer in the Smart Room division. This lawsuit, designated NICN/LA/155/2023, reflects a demand for compensation that includes claims for special, general, and futuristic damages related to the loss of his job, mental and emotional anguish, defamation, and a reduction of future employment prospects. The total amount sought, which approximates $138 million as of July 2023, underscores the gravity of his allegations against the energy companies for their alleged misconduct.
The case recently moved forward when Justice Sanda Audu Yelwa granted Sasegbon’s request for virtual testimony due to his medical condition, as he is currently receiving treatment in England. The motion, presented by legal counsel Aniekan Obong of Strachan Partners, stressed that Sasegbon’s health has severely deteriorated following what he describes as a shocking and devastating experience related to his termination. In contrast, Lawal Kazeem, representing TotalEnergies, contested this motion, highlighting the complexities surrounding the claim. Nonetheless, the court permitted the virtual proceedings and scheduled the next hearing for January 28, 2025, addressing Sasegbon’s medical constraints.
Dr. Sasegbon’s journey with TotalEnergies began after he earned his doctorate from Imperial College, London, in 2014. He submitted an unsolicited application to the company’s career portal and was later hired on a contractual basis in December of the same year. However, Sasegbon’s tenure took a drastic turn when he received a termination letter dated July 19, 2018, signed by Mr. Abiodun Afolabi, the Executive Director of Corporate Affairs & Services at TotalEnergies. The letter did not provide any prior warning or explanation for his dismissal, which Sasegbon highlighted as fundamentally unjust.
Following the unexpected termination, Sasegbon sought to appeal the decision, addressing a letter on July 31, 2018, to the then Managing Director/CEO of TotalEnergies, Mr. Nichola Terraz, requesting a review of his case. However, the company’s response, delivered on August 6, 2018, through Paul Odekina, the Executive General Manager of Human Resources, rejected his appeal without adequate justification. This dismissal of his appeal, coupled with the absence of a formal explanation or prior queries regarding his performance, became pivotal reasons for Sasegbon to pursue legal action.
The case encapsulates not only a dispute over wrongful termination but also touches on broader themes of employment rights and corporate governance in Nigeria. Sasegbon’s allegations suggest systemic issues within TotalEnergies relating to employee treatment and accountability. By seeking an extensive financial recompense, he aims to address not just his own grievances but also spotlight potential inadequacies in the policies and practices of large corporations regarding employee dismissals.
As the situation progresses with the upcoming court date, the ramifications of this case could extend beyond Sasegbon’s individual circumstances, potentially influencing how companies handle employment contracts and terminations in the future. The legal proceedings also raise important questions regarding employee rights, the obligation of employers to provide clear justifications for termination, and the extent to which executives are held accountable for their decisions within the corporate framework. With virtual hearings now part of the legal landscape, the intersection of health, employment law, and corporate responsibility is becoming increasingly pronounced in this high-stakes legal battle.
