Tall ex-corps member who went viral over ‘engagement post’ denies dating colleague

Phillip Ayobami, an ex-corps member, denies claims he’s dating Innocent Ruth, his colleague.

Days ago, the two former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with extreme height differences became a sensation on social media.

Ruth had said on Facebook that she got engaged to the “tallest” corps member while in camp.

She thanked the NYSC for connecting her with a man who is to become her romantic partner.

However, in a recent post, Ayobami is now retorting that he’s not dating the former colleague.

“I have no business with her,” Ayobami wrote on the social media site, describing Ruth as a “clout chaser”.

Ayobami added that he hasn’t set his eyes on her for the past two years.

“Sequel to the viral posts on social media platforms ignited by one Miss Innocent Ruth on the 12th of March, 2023 about a fake engagement with me,” the male corps member’s post reads in part.

“I hereby disclaim the viral post and want the general public to note that I have no business in common with her as she’s just a clout chaser.

“I and Innocent Ruth met in the year 2021 at Kayama NYSC orientation camp (Bayelsa state) where we were brought together as the tallest and shortest corps members as part of activities by the NYSC to create fun in camp.

“We never had any relationship during and after the orientation camp. It has been two years since those photos were taken and I haven’t set my eyes on her for over two years now.

“I hereby advice Innocent Ruth to take down the post from all her social media platforms or face legal action.”

Reacting to Ayobami’s post, Ruth admitted that they weren’t in a relationship and said it was “supposed to be a show”.

“Philip isn’t my boyfriend. But after I came up with this and posted it, I told him everything and how we have to play along for some time to see or hear what people will say,” she said.

“This whole thing was supposed to be a show. It was an idea I came up with while in NYSC camp. I just wanted to have fun from seeing people’s reactions and comments.”