The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has issued a comprehensive statement addressing a controversial incident at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, refuting allegations of assault and providing clarity on events that led to a confrontation captured in a viral video.
According to Mrs. Seriki Omowunmi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry, the incident occurred during a routine inspection by Tourism Commissioner Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka. The inspection revealed that Centre Director Mr. Qudus Onikeku had been operating an unauthorized canteen on the premises without ministerial approval.
The situation escalated when the Commissioner questioned the legitimacy of the establishment and initiated eviction proceedings. The Ministry claims that Mr. Onikeku, along with unauthorized individuals accompanying him, responded with violent resistance, leading to a physical altercation where a senior female ministry official was allegedly assaulted.
Addressing the viral video that has circulated on social media, the Ministry emphasized that it presents a “distorted narrative” of events. The statement clarified that Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone, contrary to suggestions in the video. The Ministry also noted that unauthorized recording of the proceedings by Mr. Onikeku’s associates violated standard administrative protocols.
The controversy centers around two key issues: the alleged unauthorized operation of facilities within the cultural center and the proper protocols for conducting official meetings. The Ministry maintains that non-state actors were improperly present during what should have been an official administrative meeting.
In response to the incident, the Ministry has launched an investigation to determine appropriate actions. The statement reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and proper management of cultural facilities while urging the public to disregard misrepresentations of the event.
The Ministry emphasized that Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka will continue executing her oversight responsibilities in accordance with her statutory mandate, focusing on maintaining proper administration of facilities under the Ministry’s purview.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
