In the midst of a viral video claiming an assault involving the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Ministry has come forward to unveil a different side of the story. The incident, which unfolded at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, has sparked intense public debate, with the Ministry now clearing the air and providing shocking new details.
The drama began when Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka, on an official inspection tour of the Centre, discovered that an unauthorized canteen was being run within the premises. This, according to the Ministry, was in direct violation of regulations. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Seriki Omowunmi, explained in a statement released Thursday that the Commissioner’s first action was to inquire about the legality of the canteen, which was operated by the Centre’s Director, Qudus Onikeku.
As part of her duties, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka sought to close the unauthorized operation, but things quickly escalated when Onikeku allegedly resisted her directive. According to the Ministry’s statement, Onikeku then enlisted the help of “non-state actors” — individuals with no formal affiliation to the Lagos State Government, who reportedly barged into the premises during the inspection.
“These individuals began recording the entire incident at the direction of the Centre Director,” the Ministry’s statement reads. “Their presence was neither approved nor authorized by the Lagos State Government, making their involvement highly irregular.”
The situation quickly spiraled out of control when the uninvited group reportedly engaged in a scuffle, during which a senior female official from the Ministry was assaulted. The viral video that surfaced shortly thereafter painted a very different picture, with the footage showing a tense confrontation that seemed to suggest that Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka was the aggressor.
However, the Ministry was quick to refute these claims. In a direct response to the allegations, the Ministry emphasized that the Commissioner did not assault anyone. “The claims that Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka assaulted anyone are completely false,” stated the Director of Public Affairs, Seriki Omowunmi. “The video that has been circulating online is nothing more than an attempt to discredit the Commissioner and distort the truth.”
The viral video, which was shared widely on social media, has undoubtedly played a significant role in fueling public confusion. In the footage, the altercation is captured with certain moments that seem to show a physical confrontation, but the Ministry has argued that the recording is highly selective, omitting crucial context that would clarify the true sequence of events.
To further address the matter, the Ministry has announced that a full investigation will be conducted into the incident. Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka has publicly pledged her commitment to transparency and integrity. “I am deeply committed to upholding the values of excellence and accountability in managing the cultural and tourism assets of Lagos State,” she stated. “This incident, though regrettable, will not deter me from performing my duties with the utmost dedication.”
The Ministry’s statement also emphasized that appropriate actions would be taken following the investigation to ensure accountability and safeguard the integrity of operations at the J. Randle Centre. Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka’s firm stance against the unauthorized canteen, which was considered a violation of the Centre’s regulations, appears to have been the catalyst for the confrontation, although it remains unclear exactly how the situation escalated to the level of a physical scuffle.
A senior official within the Ministry, speaking anonymously, noted, “It’s clear that this was not an isolated incident. There are longstanding issues at the Centre, including the operation of unauthorized businesses that undermine the Centre’s mission and the integrity of the Ministry. We are determined to address these issues head-on.”
In a broader context, the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History holds significant cultural importance to Lagos State, as it is dedicated to promoting the rich heritage of the Yoruba people. The Centre is tasked with preserving history, fostering culture, and advancing tourism in the state, making it an essential asset in the government’s efforts to promote Lagos as a cultural hub. Therefore, the recent altercation, which has now gone viral, raises important questions about the operational management of the Centre and its leadership.
The Ministry has also reiterated that it is committed to delivering efficient service to the people of Lagos, insisting that all its actions are aimed at strengthening the state’s cultural institutions. Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka herself has made it clear that her role as Commissioner involves overseeing the Centre’s affairs, ensuring that all activities there comply with the established guidelines and regulations.
The involvement of unrecognized individuals, as highlighted in the Ministry’s statement, raises serious concerns about the management of the Centre and its relationship with external actors. The Centre Director, Qudus Onikeku, has yet to publicly comment on the allegations surrounding the incident, and the Ministry has not clarified whether any action will be taken against him.
Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, it is evident that the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture is determined to set the record straight and restore confidence in the governance of the Centre. The full investigation, which is set to take place in the coming weeks, will likely provide more clarity on what transpired during the fateful inspection.
In the meantime, the public is being urged to disregard the false narrative presented in the viral video. The Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to promote Lagos’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that all its activities align with the values of transparency and accountability.