Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Toke Benson, denies assaulting a public officer

The Lagos State government has launched an investigation into a viral video showing the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, in a scuffle with a man who was filming her.

The viral video showed the Commissioner in a heated argument with the owner of the firm that manages the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Qudus Onikeku. The argument between the Commissioner and  Onikeku degenerated when she kicked against one of the security aides of Onikeku filming her.  She could be seen standing up to stop the aide who was recording her.

A press statement issued from her office reads;

‘’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 Director of the Centre, 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 initiate an eviction which the Centre’s 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 Centre’s Director, barged in, while he ordered them to record the proceedings which 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 Honourable Commissioner maintained her stance that unauthorized 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 will be taken.

The Ministry remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the efficient management of all its facilities. The Honourable Commissioner will continue to discharge her duties in the best interest of Lagos State and its citizens.

The Commissioner, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard any misrepresentation of the incident and focus on the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery.”

Watch the viral video below…