By Adedapo Adesanya
Telecommunication giant, MTN, has cleared its chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Ralph Mupita, of allegations involving preferential treatment to an unnamed female executive after an investigation by an independent law firm.
Reports had emerged that several members of the company’s executive team in South Africa threatened to resign over his leadership and professional misconduct.
It was alleged that he was involved in favouritism by transferring responsibilities to an unnamed female executive, with whom he allegedly has a close-knit relationship.
The investigation found no evidence of improper conduct, and attempts to engage with the complainant were unsuccessful, MTN said in a statement on Friday.
“In its deliberations, the board accepted the report finding and is of the view that the matter has been addressed and is now closed. The board further expressed its full support for the Group Chief Executive Officer and the MTN strategy.”
After a national daily in South Africa reported the development, Mr Mupita has moved to allay employees’ concerns following the allegations.
He told staff in a note that the company had governance processes in place to address all employee matters, including those concerning senior leadership.
“Some of you may have seen the Sunday Times article yesterday in which various allegations were made about our company. I thought it was important that you hear directly from me about our position on the matters raised in the article,” he told the team.
The newspaper had also alleged that Mr Mupita was on “borrowed time” due to the telco’s poor financial performance of the group.
However, this latest development means Mr Mupita may well continue his five-year tenure as CEO which commenced in September 2020.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Business Post Contributor