Breaking News Lagos State Commissioner Toke Benson Denies Assault Allegations Amid Viral Video Controversy
In the wake of a viral video sparking heated online debates, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has refuted claims of slapping an unidentified man during a public altercation. Describing the allegations as "blackmail," she maintained her innocence and outlined the events that led to the contentious incident.
The Lagos State government has since launched an investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts and determine appropriate actions.
The widely circulated video, shared on social media on Thursday, depicts the commissioner directing security operatives to remove an individual from the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. As the scene unfolded, the commissioner noticed a man recording her actions and reportedly attempted to seize his phone, leading to a physical confrontation. The man, visibly upset, questioned her actions and warned against any future recurrence.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Seriki Omowunmi, titled “Re: Viral Video Circulating on Social Media,” the commissioner’s office denied the allegations of assault, providing a detailed account of the incident.
“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. Randle Centre,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, the inspection revealed unauthorized activities by the Centre Director, Qudus Onikeku, who was allegedly operating a canteen within the premises without approval. Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka’s attempt to address the issue reportedly met resistance from the Centre Director, who involved non-state actors to disrupt the proceedings and record the encounter without consent.
The statement further claimed that the commissioner did not physically assault anyone but noted that a senior female member of her team was assaulted during the commotion. It emphasized that unauthorized recordings during official proceedings are breaches of protocol and administrative decorum.
“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,” the ministry’s statement added.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka reiterated her commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the ministry’s facilities, urging the public to disregard misrepresentations of the incident. She assured Lagosians that she would continue to serve in the best interest of the state and its citizens.
The ongoing investigation aims to unravel the full details of the altercation and ensure justice is served. As tensions surrounding the viral video persist, the Lagos State government has called for calm and patience while the facts are ascertained.
Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor and provide updates on this developing story.