The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka has refuted allegations of assaulting the Director of the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Qudus Onikeku.
In a statement titled ‘RE: VIRAL VIDEO CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA’ and sighted by www.theoctopusnews.com on X, the commissioner described the viral video in which the supposed assault was captured as cheap blackmail by Onikeku.
Stating that it is imperative to clarify the ambiguity surrounding the incident that took place at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and the ensuing video that has now gone viral, the statement noted that Benson-Awoyinka has the statutory responsibility of oversight over all facilities under the Ministry’s purview, and it was in line with this mandate that she embarked on an inspection visit to the J.K. Randle Centre.
According to the statement, during the inspection, it was discovered that the Director of the Centre, Onikeku, was illegally operating a canteen within the premises without the knowledge and approval of the Ministry. The discovery prompted Benson-Awoyinka to questioned the presence of the establishment and initiated an eviction which was violently resisted by Onikeku and had his team.
Clarifying that the commissioner didn’t assault anybody, the statement added that it was the officials of the ministry that were attacked by non-state actors who are neither recognised by the Lagos State Government nor authorised to attend the meeting.
Further, the statement added that Onikeku ordered his supporters to record the proceedings to which the Honourable Commissioner objected, adding that recording any meeting without the consent of the presiding authority is unacceptable and a breach of protocol.
Furthermore, the statement clarified that it was after a senior female member of the commissioner’s team was physically assaulted by the non-state actors, that the situation escalated.
The statement further noted that the video was posted ostensibly to blackmail the commissioner for maintaining her stance that unauthorized persons should not participate in the meeting or record its discussions, which is in line with standard administrative procedures.
While stating further that an investigation had been launched into the occurrence, with appropriate actions set to be taken, the statement noted that the ministry remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the efficient management of all its facilities, adding that the Honourable Commissioner will continue to discharge her duties in the best interest of Lagos State and its citizens.
The commissioner 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.
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