Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, over a tweet that misrepresented facts about the 2020 #EndSARS protests. According to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Sanwo-Olu, Ajetunmobi’s suspension was due to his “misrepresentation of facts on his personal ‘X’ account on a past incident.”
The incident in question refers to the arson attack on the Television Continental (TVC) station in Lagos during the 2020 #EndSARS protests. Ajetunmobi had tweeted that the arsonists had been “hunted down and executed.” He also claimed that one of the “executed” arsonists was a young boy who traded in cooking gas around the Ketu area of the state and was found with an AK-47 rifle.
The tweet sparked criticism, with many questioning the alleged extrajudicial killings. In response, Ajetunmobi clarified that his tweet was his “personal opinion” and didn’t reflect the stance of his employer or his office. He also stated that “no extrajudicial killing was insinuated.”.
However, the damage had already been done, and Ajetunmobi’s suspension was announced shortly after. The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to justice and due process while distancing itself from any form of extrajudicial action.
In a statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that his administration “frowns at any form of extrajudicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action.” He added, “That is not who we are. That is not our way.”
The incident highlights the importance of responsible communication, especially for public officials. Ajetunmobi’s tweet, although intended as a personal opinion, was widely shared and sparked controversy.
The Lagos State Government has taken a strong stance against extrajudicial killings, and Ajetunmobi’s suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and respecting human rights.
In a now-deleted post, Ajetunmobi claimed that the arsonists were killed during an exchange of fire with soldiers. However, this claim has not been verified, and the Lagos State Government has emphasized its commitment to justice and due process.
The TVC station was attacked during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, resulting in significant damage to the facility. The incident was widely condemned, and the Lagos State Government has taken steps to support the station’s recovery.
Ajetunmobi’s suspension serves as a reminder of the need for public officials to uphold the law and respect human rights.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to justice and due process, and Ajetunmobi’s suspension is a testament to this commitment.
