Viral Assault Video: An Attempt To Blackmail Me – Benson-Awoyinka
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka urged members of the public to disregard any misrepresentation of recent event regarding an incident at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History circulating on social media.
This is contained in a statement signed by the commissioner and made available to newsmen.
A video has gone viral recently seeing Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka assault someone during an altercation at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
The statement notes that for clarity, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone, but 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.
It affirms that the video was posted ostensibly to blackmail her.
It also notes that an investigation has been ordered into the occurrence, and appropriate actions will be taken.
“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 statement adds that the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture has the statutory responsibility of oversight over all facilities under the Ministry’s purview which is in line with the mandate, she embarked on an inspection visit to the J.K. Randle Centre.
The statement claims that 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 which prompted Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka to question the presence of the establishment and initiated an eviction which the Centre’s Director violently resisted and had his team attack officials of the Ministry.
“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 questioned the presence of the establishment and initiated 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”
The statement maintains that it remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the efficient management of all its facilities.
It explains that the Commissioner will continue to discharge her duties in the best interest of Lagos State and its citizens.
