Allegations of assault against Lagos State’s Tourism Commissioner, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during an inspection of the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History have been dismissed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. A video circulating online suggests an altercation involving the Commissioner, but officials have called it misleading.
The Ministry stated that during the inspection, the Commissioner discovered an unauthorized canteen operated by the Centre’s director, Mr. Qudus Onikeku. Attempts to address this issue were met with resistance from the director, which escalated the situation. This was further exacerbated by disruptions caused by uninvited individuals allegedly acting on his instructions.
Contrary to the circulating video’s portrayal, the Ministry claims that a senior female member of the Commissioner’s team was the one assaulted during the incident. They assert that the Commissioner’s actions were solely in self-defense.
Describing the unauthorized recording as a breach of protocol, the Ministry condemned the act and called for adherence to proper procedures during official engagements.
The authorities have initiated an investigation to thoroughly examine the incident. Based on the findings of this investigation, appropriate actions will be taken.
