Sanwo-Olu Suspends Aide, his senior special assistant on print media, Wale Ajetunmobi, following a controversial post on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account.
In the post, Ajetunmobi claimed that some individuals who committed arson during the 2020 #EndSARS protests had been “hunted and executed.” This statement sparked public outrage and raised questions about the Lagos State government’s stance on extrajudicial actions.
Official Announcement of the Suspension
Sanwo-Olu Suspends Aide
Gbenga Akosile, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, announced the suspension in a public statement on Tuesday. He clarified that Ajetunmobi’s remarks did not reflect the policies or values of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
“Mr. Ajetunmobi has been suspended due to a misrepresentation of facts on his personal X account regarding a past incident,” Akosile explained.
The statement further emphasized the government’s disapproval of any form of extrajudicial punishment.
“The Governor wants to make it clear that this administration does not condone or support extrajudicial actions. Such practices are against our values and principles,” Akosile added.
Backlash Over Ajetunmobi’s Post
The controversy began after PREMIUM TIMES reported Ajetunmobi’s post. In the now-deleted message, he suggested that most of the arsonists involved in burning Television Continental (TVC) during the 2020 protests were “hunted and executed.”
A portion of the post read:
“The full story of those who burnt TVC in 2020 will one day be told, with gory details. Most of them have been hunted down and executed. One of them, a young boy trading in cooking gas around Ketu, was caught with an AK-47 at the scene. Even his neighbors were shocked. The full gist is better saved for later.”
Sources revealed that Governor Sanwo-Olu was infuriated when he became aware of the post. He reportedly instructed Ajetunmobi to delete the tweet immediately, which he complied with.
Sanwo-Olu Suspends Aide
After the backlash, Ajetunmobi attempted to explain his statement. Responding to an X user, he denied that the incidents amounted to extrajudicial killings.
“Some of the arsonists were pursued by soldiers, leading to an exchange of gunfire. They were overpowered and killed in the process. Is that what you call extrajudicial killing?” he replied.
However, there is no record of such an exchange of gunfire during the 21 October 2020 arson attack on TVC. Reports instead focus on the events of 20 October 2020, when soldiers allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.
The Lekki Toll Gate Incident
The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry investigated the 20 October 2020 incident, documenting the use of live ammunition at the Lekki Toll Gate. Their 309-page report revealed that at least 46 unarmed protesters were killed or seriously injured.
This incident remains a major point of contention, with activists and organizations criticizing the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Extrajudicial Killings: A Human Rights Violation
Extrajudicial killings are a gross violation of fundamental human rights. They occur when state agents deliberately kill individuals without following legal procedures.
These actions contravene international laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Such acts also violate Nigeria’s constitution and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
Rising Incidents in Nigeria
According to Global Rights, a human rights advocacy group, Nigeria recorded over 800 cases of extrajudicial killings between 2020 and 2023. These cases highlight the urgent need for accountability and reforms in the country’s security sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Position
Governor Sanwo-Olu has consistently expressed his commitment to upholding justice and fairness in Lagos State. The suspension of Ajetunmobi demonstrates his administration’s effort to distance itself from actions or statements that promote unlawful practices.
“We remain committed to protecting the rights of every individual. Extrajudicial actions have no place in our administration,” the governor reiterated through his media team.
The Need for Accountability
This incident underscores the importance of responsible communication by public officials. Misleading statements can damage the reputation of the government and erode public confidence in leadership.
Human rights groups have called for thorough investigations into any claims of extrajudicial actions and stronger measures to prevent abuses by security forces.
Moving Forward
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt response to Ajetunmobi’s controversial post highlights the importance of addressing sensitive issues swiftly and transparently. While the suspension is a step in the right direction, it also raises questions about the broader implications of such statements on governance and public perception.
As Lagos State continues to rebuild trust after the #EndSARS protests, the administration must remain committed to promoting accountability, justice, and respect for human rights.
