The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has debunked alleged reports involving her in a public altercation with an unidentified man who she allegedly ‘slapped’ for recording her, describing it as “blackmail.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has commenced an investigation into the incident with the view for appropriate actions to be taken.
The altercation was captured in a video that went viral on social media on Thursday.
In the video shared by an online platform, the commissioner was in the process of directing security operatives to remove someone from a facility when she noticed the man recording her actions.
Reacting to the action, she attempted to seize the phone from the individual.
Ministry reacts
The ministry, in a swift reaction via a statement by Director, Public Affairs, Seriki Omowunmi, titled: “Re: Viral Video Circulating on Social Media,” denied the commissioner slapping the man giving insight into the incident.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media regarding an incident at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. It is imperative to set the records straight and clarify the events that led to the said video.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has the statutory responsibility of oversight over all facilities under the ministry’s purview. In line with this mandate, she embarked on an inspection visit to the J.Randle Centre.
“During the inspection, it was discovered that the Centre Director, Qudus Onikeku, was illegally operating a canteen within the premises without the knowledge and approval of the ministry.
“This prompted Mrs Benson-Awoyinka to question the presence of the establishment and initiated an eviction that the Centre Director violently resisted and had his team attack officials of the ministry.
“The non-state actors who are neither recognized by the Lagos State Government nor authorized to attend the meeting, who accompanied the Centre Director, barged in while he ordered them to record the proceedings.
“This, the Honourable Commissioner objected to. It must be emphasized that recording any meeting without the consent of the presiding authority is unacceptable and a breach of protocol.
“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 then escalated as seen in the viral video depicting a totally false narrative.
“The video posted ostensibly to blackmail her speaks for itself.The Honourable Commissioner maintained her stance that unauthorized persons should not participate in the meeting or record its discussions, which is in line with standard administrative procedures.
“An investigation has been ordered into the occurrence, and appropriate actions would be taken.
“The ministry remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the efficient management of all its facilities. The Honourable Commissioner will continue to discharge her duties in the best interest of Lagos State and its citizens.
“We urge members of the public to disregard any misrepresentation of the incident and focus on the ministry’s unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery.”
However, an inside source told Vanguard Media that the commissioner has briefed the State Governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu on the matter.
