The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has refuted claims that she slapped a man for recording her during an incident that went viral on social media.
She described the allegations as an attempt at “blackmail.”
The Lagos State government has launched an investigation into the event to determine the facts and take appropriate action.
The controversy stems from a video shared on social media showing the commissioner confronting an individual recording her at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
In the footage, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka appeared to direct security officers to remove someone from the premises. Upon noticing she was being recorded, she allegedly attempted to seize the phone, leading to accusations of assault. The man involved expressed discontent, urging her not to repeat the behavior.
In response, the ministry released a statement through its Director of Public Affairs, Seriki Omowunmi, denying the assault allegations.
The statement detailed the events that transpired during the commissioner’s inspection of the center.
According to the ministry, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka was conducting a routine inspection when she discovered an unauthorized canteen being operated by the facility’s director, Qudus Onikeku. Efforts to address the issue allegedly led to resistance and physical confrontation.
The statement read “During the inspection, the Centre Director resisted eviction efforts and ordered unauthorized individuals to record the proceedings. Contrary to the claims in the viral video, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone.
Instead, a senior female official from her team was physically attacked by these individuals.”
The ministry emphasized that recording any meeting without consent breaches protocol and called for public disregard of the video’s portrayal.
The Lagos State government has commenced a formal investigation into the matter. The commissioner has also briefed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu about the incident.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing its facilities, urging citizens to await the findings of the ongoing probe.
