Senior female member Toke Benson teamwas physically assaulted, contrary to the video
The whole issue was a esult of illegal canteen being operated at J.K. Randle Center
Toke Benson task public to disregard any false representations
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture led by Mrs. Toke Benson has addressed a viral video involving an altercation at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.
It was gathered that the Ministry has provided context and clarified the sequence of events leading up to the incident captured on camera.
During an inspection visit by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson, an illegally operating canteen within the Centre’s premises was discovered.
The canteen was run by the Centre’s Director, Qudus Onikeku, without the Ministry’s knowledge or approval.
Upon questioning, Onikeku became confrontational and aggressive, which led to a physical altercation between the Director’s team and Ministry officials.
Non-state actors, who were neither recognised by the Lagos State Government nor authorised to attend the meeting, accompanied Onikeku and were instructed to record the proceedings without the consent of the presiding authority.
Contrary to the narrative presented in the viral video, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka did not assault anyone. Instead, a senior female member of her team was physically assaulted by the non-state actors, resulting in an escalation of the situation.
In light of the recent incident the Ministry has ordered an investigation and will take appropriate action as needed.
The Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Toke Benson, will continue to fulfill her duties with the utmost integrity and in the best interest of the citizens of Lagos State.
She urges the public to disregard any false representations of the event and focus on the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to service excellence.
