Lagos commissioner denies assault allegation, blames non-state actors for disruption
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has refuted allegations of assault stemming from a viral video. She clarified that non-state actors, unauthorized by the Lagos State Government, disrupted a meeting at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
The video purportedly showed the Commissioner assaulting a man recording the meeting, sparking mixed reactions. Some criticized her actions, while others supported her.
In a statement signed by Seriki Omowunmi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the Commissioner explained that non-state actors, accompanied by the Centre’s Director, Qudus Onikeku, forcefully attended the meeting without authorization and began recording proceedings without permission.
The Commissioner alleged that Mr. Onikeku was illegally operating a canteen at the Centre without the Ministry’s approval. When confronted, he resisted eviction and allegedly directed his team to attack Ministry officials.
“For clarity, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone. Instead, a senior female member of her team was physically assaulted by the non-state actors, which escalated into the scene misrepresented in the viral video,” the statement read.
The Ministry emphasized that recording meetings without consent breaches protocol and administrative procedures. It also announced that an investigation is underway, and necessary actions will follow.
The statement further affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It urged the public to dismiss misrepresentations of the incident and focus on its dedication to effective service delivery for Lagos State citizens.
“The Honourable Commissioner will continue to perform her duties in the best interest of Lagos State and its residents,” the statement concluded.