- A viral video showed Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, physically assaulting a man who was recording her
- The incident sparked divided opinions, with some supporting Benson’s actions and others condemning her behaviour as excessive
- TheRadar compiled some of the public reactions following the incident
Nigerians have expressed strong reactions to a viral video showing Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, physically assaulting a man who was recording her.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, captured the commissioner instructing the individual to leave the compound and threatening to have security remove him.
Benson threatens to destroy man's phone during confrontation
At one point, the commissioner threatened to destroy the man’s phone while the victim was heard shouting, “How dare you slap me?”
In the footage, Benson-Awoyinka is seen telling security personnel to escort the man out of the premises. However, the security officials remain standing in front of her, prompting the commissioner to tell them that if they aren’t willing to do their job, she will report them to their commandants.
Video sparks widespread debate on social media
As of the time of the report, no official statement had been issued by authorities regarding the incident. However, the video has sparked widespread debate and controversy across social media platforms.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user questioned the man's motives for recording Benson, asking, “For what reason was he recording her? Is she hosting a tourism or press event that requires him to record? Can’t she have privacy just because she’s a commissioner?”
Another X user offered a different perspective, saying, “If I’m in the course of doing public work, that’s my duty for public service. But when I am off duty for public work and you now snap or recording me without consent, walahi that beating no too much that, your mama self go dey feel am for where she dey.”
Netizens react to viral video of commissioner’s action
The incident has sparked a range of reactions from the public, with many weighing in on the appropriateness of the commissioner’s actions and the broader issue of privacy.
TheRadar compiled some of the public reactions below:
“@followlasg @jidesanwoolu should suspend her immediately , what a misrepresentation of the state commissioners, in all sanity she should be suspended and proceed to resign with no hesitation,” Fcee Francis stated.
“Who harassed who? The Lagos commissioner of Tourism was rather harassed. Strangers walked into your office and started recording, is it allows? Even, from the video you posted collusion is evident, that is why security couldn't do their job and also actions here ware premeditated,” Dr Adejare Ladigbolu added.
“In a working society she should be sacked for harassment but the supporters of doom will say otherwise because they have now experienced what democracy entails and have sold their rights for followership and mediocrity,” Big Papi reacted.
“STFU , yes what she did is wrong how TF do you record someone without their consent ? A commissioner for that matter o . They both wrong PERIOD‼️,” Giran Republic stated.
“It's a simple rule. Stop recording. I don't know why people are like this,” Lion stated.
“You have every right to record a public servant in public,” Osnon stated.
“Leaders are meant to lead by example,but this Lagos State commission er of Tourism had passed her boundary and she must face the consequence of her unruly actions. @jidesanwoolu over to you, Sir,” Awoniyi Michael stated.
Airport authority labels viral video as blackmail, says officer didn't act improperly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a statement addressing a viral video in which a woman accused airport officials of molestation and bribery, calling the allegations blackmail.
The Airport Authority urged the public to follow airport rules to avoid similar incidents in the future.