The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has refuted allegations of misconduct against its Commissioner, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, following a viral video showing an altercation at the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry clarified that Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka was conducting an official inspection of the Centre when she discovered an unauthorized canteen being operated by the Centre’s Director, Qudus Onikeku. The Commissioner questioned the legality of the establishment and directed its immediate closure.

The Ministry alleged that Onikeku resisted the directive, involving a group of unidentified individuals who barged into the premises and began recording the proceedings under his orders. The Ministry condemned this act as a breach of protocol and an attempt to distort the situation.

Contrary to claims made in the viral footage, the Ministry emphasized that Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone. It stated that tensions arose due to the Commissioner’s firm stance against unauthorized recordings and the presence of unrecognized individuals, leading to the escalation captured in the video.

The Ministry has ordered a full investigation into the incident while criticizing the video as an attempt to blackmail the Commissioner and misrepresent the facts surrounding the altercation.