Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Mr. Wale Ajetunmobi, over comments made on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account.
The suspension comes in the wake of Ajetunmobi’s controversial post, where he claimed that arsonists who set fire to the Television Continental (TVC) head office during the #EndSARS protests in 2020 were "hunted and executed."
His statement has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who view it as an endorsement of extra-judicial killings—a practice heavily criticized during and after the #EndSARS movement.
The #EndSARS protests, which were a youth-led movement against police brutality, saw a turning point on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Gate.
During the protest, soldiers were deployed to the toll gate, resulting in what has now been referred to as the “Lekki Massacre.”
The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS-Related Abuses and Other Matters later issued a report implicating Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Nigerian Army in the events of that night.
However, the Lagos State Government rejected the findings of the panel, dismissing the conclusions as inconsistent and lacking evidence.
Four years after the incident, the memory of the #EndSARS protests remains fresh in the minds of Nigerians, and the recent comments by Ajetunmobi only served to reignite tensions.
The now-deleted post made by the suspended aide on his X account suggested that most of the arsonists responsible for attacking TVC had been tracked down and executed.
Screenshots of the post quickly circulated online, drawing harsh criticism and demands for an explanation.
Many Nigerians questioned the truth of the claims, given the widespread allegations of human rights abuses that followed the #EndSARS protests.
The backlash prompted the Lagos State Government to take swift action.
In a press release issued by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Governor Sanwo-Olu categorically distanced his administration from any form of extra-judicial punishment.
The statement emphasized that the governor frowns at such actions, stating, “That is not who we are.
That is not our way.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision to suspend Ajetunmobi underscores his administration’s commitment to addressing public concerns about governance and justice.
However, the incident has raised further questions about the lingering controversies surrounding the events of October 2020.
The #EndSARS movement was one of the most significant youth-led protests in Nigerian history, drawing international attention to the issue of police brutality and the demand for accountability in governance.
Its aftermath saw numerous inquiries, reports, and debates, with the Lagos State Government at the center of many of these discussions.
Critics argue that Ajetunmobi’s comments reflect a deeper issue within the government’s approach to addressing the grievances of the #EndSARS movement.
By suggesting that arsonists were “hunted and executed,” Ajetunmobi’s post seemed to validate fears of unchecked authority and the use of force by the state.
This has further fueled public calls for transparency and accountability from government officials.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s swift suspension of his aide has been viewed by some as a necessary step to manage the fallout from the controversy.
Others, however, believe that it is merely a reactionary measure, and more needs to be done to address the root causes of public distrust in the government.
As Nigerians continue to demand justice for victims of police brutality and the events at Lekki Toll Gate, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the unresolved tensions that persist in the country.
The suspension of Wale Ajetunmobi may offer a temporary reprieve for the Lagos State Government, but the larger questions about justice, accountability, and governance remain unanswered.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between public accountability and maintaining the integrity of government communications.
For many Nigerians, the memory of the #EndSARS protests is not just a historical event but a rallying cry for a better and more transparent government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s action, though commendable, is unlikely to quell the growing calls for comprehensive reforms in the aftermath of #EndSARS.
The controversy surrounding Ajetunmobi’s comments is a stark reminder of the importance of accurate and responsible communication by public officials, especially in a society grappling with the scars of past injustices.
As the public awaits further developments, one thing is clear: the #EndSARS protests continue to shape the political and social discourse in Nigeria, and the demand for justice remains as strong as ever.
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