Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, following controversial social media comments about alleged extrajudicial executions related to the protests.
The suspension, announced through a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, comes in response to what was described as “misrepresentation of facts” posted on Ajetunmobi’s personal X (formerly Twitter) account. The incident has reignited discussions about the aftermath of the historic protests and government accountability.
At the heart of the controversy is a now-deleted tweet from Ajetunmobi’s account (@Riddwane) that made disturbing claims about the fate of individuals allegedly involved in the burning of Television Continental (TVC) station during the 2020 protests. In the controversial post, Ajetunmobi claimed that those responsible for the arson had been “hunted down and executed,” specifically mentioning an unidentified young gas trader from the Ketu area who was allegedly found with an AK-47 rifle.
The governor’s office moved swiftly to distance itself from these claims, with Akosile emphasizing that the Sanwo-Olu administration “frowns at any form of extra-judicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action.” This strong stance reflects the administration’s attempt to maintain its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
The incident has broader implications for the ongoing discourse surrounding the #EndSARS protests, which marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s recent history. The protests, which began as a movement against police brutality, led to widespread demonstrations across the country and particularly impacted Lagos State, where several significant incidents occurred, including the burning of the TVC station.
The suspension of Ajetunmobi serves as a reminder of the continuing sensitivity surrounding the #EndSARS protests and their aftermath. It also highlights the challenges public officials face in managing social media communications, particularly regarding such politically charged events.
The gravity of Ajetunmobi’s claims, suggesting extrajudicial executions of protest participants, struck a particularly sensitive chord given the ongoing investigations and reconciliation efforts related to the events of 2020. The governor’s quick action in suspending the aide appears designed to reaffirm the administration’s commitment to lawful processes and distance itself from any suggestions of extrajudicial actions.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about accountability in government communications and the responsible use of social media by public officials. The swift removal of the controversial tweets and the subsequent suspension demonstrate the serious consequences that can follow when government officials make unauthorized or unsubstantiated claims about sensitive matters.
This situation also raises questions about the broader implications for freedom of expression among government officials and the balance between personal views and official responsibilities. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the permanent nature of social media posts and their potential impact on public trust and governmental integrity.
As Lagos State continues to grapple with the legacy of the #EndSARS protests, this incident underscores the importance of careful and responsible communication from government officials, particularly regarding events that have deeply affected the public consciousness. The governor’s decisive action sends a clear message about the standards expected from those who serve in his administration.
The suspension of Ajetunmobi will likely serve as a reminder to other government officials about the importance of maintaining professional standards in their public communications, especially regarding sensitive historical events that continue to resonate with the Nigerian public.
