Assàult: Lagos commissioner, Toke Benson denies slapping man in viral video

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Toke Benson, has denied reports circulating via a now-viral video claiming that she assaulted a public officer.

In the now-viral video, the commissioner was seen having a heated argument with the director of the firm that manages the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Qudus Onikeku, before the interference of unidentified individuals.

The argument stemmed from the discovery that Qudus Onikeku, was illegally operating a canteen within the premises without the knowledge and approval of the Ministry.

According to the ministry, the events took a dramatic turn when Onikeku allegedly resisted the directive and involved the group of unidentified individuals.

In a statement shared on X handle, the Ministry dismissed allegations of misconduct against its Commissioner, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and revealed shocking details surrounding the incident.

The statement reads:

“The attention of #LagostourismO has been drawn to a viral video on social media on an incident at J.Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History. It is imperative to set the records straight&clarify the events that led to the said video.

“The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has the statutory responsibility of oversight over all facilities under the Ministry’s purview. In line with this mandate, she embarked on an inspection visit to the J.Randle Centre.

“During the inspection, it was discovered that the Centre Director , Qudus Onikeku, was illegally operating a canteen within the premises without the knowledge and approval of the Ministry. This prompted Mrs Benson-Awoyinka to question the presence of the establishment and initiated an eviction that the Centre Director violently resisted and had his team attack officials of the Ministry.

“The non-state actors who are neither recognized by the Lagos State Government nor authorized to attend the meeting, who accompanied the Centre Director, barged in while he ordered them to record the proceedings.

“This, the Honourable Commissioner objected to. It must be emphasized that recording any meeting without the consent of the presiding authority is unacceptable and a breach of protocol.

“For clarity, Mrs Benson Awoyinka did not assault anyone, instead a senior female member of her team was physically assaulted by the non state actors which then escalated as seen in the viral video depicting a totally false narrative.

“The Honourable Commissioner maintained her stance that unauthorized persons should not participate in the meeting or record its discussions, which is in line with standard administrative procedures.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>>