- Lagos State government launched an official investigation into a viral video showing Tourism commissioner Toke Benson-Awoyinka allegedly assaulting a man
- The viral video showed a heated altercation between Lagos State Tourism commissioner Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Qudus Onikeku, with a man trying to film the altercation
- The Tourism commissioner denied assault, claiming the confrontation was over an illegal canteen at J.K. Randle Centre
The Lagos State government has reportedly launched an investigation into a viral video that showed Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, allegedly assaulting a public officer.
The investigation was confirmed by Benson-Awoyinka in an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Thursday evening, January 9.
Lagos investigates viral video altercation involving tourism commissioner
“The property belongs to the LASG under the Ministry of Tourism. The Lagos State Government is looking into the matter,” the Commissioner stated.
In the video, Benson-Awoyinka was in a heated argument with Qudus Onikeku, the firm's owner managing the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
The footage, shared widely across social media, also showed an unidentified man recording the altercation. Benson-Awoyinka noticed the man filming and demanded that he stop.
The commissioner denied any assault, explaining that her visit to the facility was to intervene in what she claimed was Onikeku’s attempt to turn public property into a food canteen for his wife.
Benson-Awoyinka denies assault, explains heated argument
She said, “The man gave the museum to his wife as a restaurant. I have a picture of this boy showing where he was violent. This is a museum we just opened that we intend to use for commercial ventures to make money for the Government. Because we made him the GM of the place, he now used his power to give out a portion of the facility to his wife to start selling food.
“The wife opened the canteen. It is when we went to check, you know the museum is under me as the commissioner for tourism. I went there and challenged him. I told him this facility is not for selling food, it is a commercial venture for the state government.
“I told him to get all his wife's belongings out of the facility, that place is not a multi-billionaire project. I called the security guy to park all the things. The wife kept the gas cylinder and other stuff inside.
“He also has some boys with him (thugs), and those are the boys we said he cannot bring into that place. This was why he kept shouting, " No, they can come in. One of his boys started recording, and one of the directors in the ministry wanted to take the camera from the guy.”
Tourism ministry issues statement on video, clarifies commissioner’s actions
A press statement was also issued from her office. The statement read, “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.K. 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.K. 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 which the Centre Director violently resisted and had his team attack officials of the Ministry.
“The non-state actors who are neither recognised by the Lagos State Government nor authorised to attend the meeting, who accompanied the Center Director, barged in, while he ordered them to record the proceedings. This, the Honourable Commissioner objected to. It must be emphasised 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 Commissioner maintained her stance that unauthorised 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."
Stunning twist as Bolt driver Abuwatseya apologises for provoking Reps member Ikwechegh
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver, apologised for provoking Reps member Alex Ikwechegh, calling for national unity and forgiveness after a viral altercation.
The Bolt driver, who was allegedly assaulted by the lawmaker Ikwechegh, urged Nigerians to come together, forgive, and focus on national healing.