Sanwo-Olu suspends aide over controversial tweet on #EndSARS protest

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, following public backlash over a controversial tweet.

The suspension was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

The statement cited Ajetunmobi’s tweet as a “misrepresentation of facts on his personal X account” regarding an incident from the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

Specifically, the media aide had claimed that individuals responsible for the arson attack on Television Continental (TVC) during the protests had been “hunted down and executed.”

Ajetunmobi’s comments sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many accusing him of endorsing extra-judicial killings.

In the wake of the backlash, Ajetunmobi issued a clarification, stating that his tweet represented his personal opinion and was not reflective of the Lagos State government’s position.

He also denied advocating for or insinuating extra-judicial actions.

Despite his clarification, the controversy persisted, prompting Governor Sanwo-Olu to take decisive action.

In the statement announcing the suspension, Akosile emphasized the administration’s commitment to justice and due process.

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“The Sanwo-Olu-led administration frowns at any form of extra-judicial punishment and will not condone or associate with such actions. That is not who we are. That is not our way,” Akosile noted.

The governor’s swift response is seen as an effort to distance the state government from any insinuations of endorsing unlawful actions while maintaining its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The suspension comes at a time when the memory of the #EndSARS protests, a nationwide movement against police brutality, remains sensitive in Nigeria.

Analysts suggest that the incident highlights the continued scrutiny of public officials’ statements on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and the political consequences of controversial remarks.

“This action demonstrates the delicate balance public officials must maintain when addressing sensitive issues like #EndSARS.

It also reflects the state government’s intent to preserve its reputation and adherence to rule of law,” said political analyst Dr. Abimbola Oladeji.