Lagos govt reacts to viral commissioner assault video

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has responded to a viral video circulating on social media involving its Commissioner, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during an inspection at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The Ministry clarified that the incident has been misrepresented and provided details to set the record straight.

According to a statement released on Thursday, Benson-Awoyinka was conducting a routine oversight visit at the centre when she discovered that the Director, Qudus Onikeku, had been operating an unauthorized canteen on the premises without official approval. The Commissioner initiated an eviction process, which reportedly led to a confrontation as Onikeku resisted and allegedly instructed his team to attack government officials.

The statement emphasized that non-state actors unaffiliated with the Lagos State Government accompanied Onikeku and forced their way into the meeting. These individuals began recording proceedings without consent, an act Benson-Awoyinka deemed a breach of protocol. Contrary to claims in the video, the Ministry stated that the Commissioner did not assault anyone. Instead, a senior female official from her team was the victim of physical assault, which escalated tensions.

“The Honourable Commissioner maintained her stance that unauthorized persons should not participate in or record the meeting. This position aligns with standard administrative procedures,” the statement read.

The Ministry condemned the viral video as a deliberate attempt to blackmail the Commissioner, asserting that its content misrepresented the facts. An investigation into the incident has been launched, with assurances that appropriate actions will follow.

Benson-Awoyinka reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, accountability, and the effective management of state-owned facilities. The Ministry called on the public to disregard false narratives and trust its dedication to excellent service delivery in Lagos State.

https://x.com/followlasg/status/1877449371480109538?t=ws5ZzAvun0b8WaZaQ1Fcig&s=19