Gov Sanwo-Olu suspends media aide over controversial #EndSARS comments

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, over controversial remarks regarding the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The suspension, announced in a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, followed a social media post made by Ajetunmobi on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account.

In ..., Ajetunmobi alleged that most individuals involved in the burning of Television Continental (TVC) during the protests had been “hunted down and executed.”

The Lagos State Government swiftly distanced itself from the remarks, condemning them as a misrepresentation of facts.

Akosile’s statement reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and fairness, emphasizing that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s government does not condone extrajudicial actions.

“The Governor wishes to state categorically that his administration frowns at any form of extrajudicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action. That is not who we are. That is not our way,” the statement read.

The controversial post by Ajetunmobi claimed, “The full story of people who burnt down TVC in 2020 will be told one day, with gory clips and images. One thing to note: the majority of them have been hunted down and executed.”

When challenged by another X user about supporting extrajudicial killings, Ajetunmobi defended his position, stating: “Lol. You want to create a narrative in your head? Some of the people were chased by soldiers, and an exchange of fire occurred. Then arsonists were overpowered and killed. Others ran away. Is that extrajudicial killing to you?”