Lagos Ministry Of Tourism Addresses Misleading Viral Video, Orders Investigation Into J.K. Randle Centre Incident
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has responded to a misleading viral video concerning the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History incident.
According to a statement released to Worldtopnewsng on Thursday by the Director of Public Affairs of the Ministry, Mrs Seriki Omowunmi, a recent inspection of the site revealed that the Centre Director, Mr Qudus Onikeku, was unlawfully operating a canteen on the premises without the requisite approval from the Ministry.
The statement further elaborated that this discovery prompted the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, to question the legitimacy of the canteen’s presence, leading to an eviction process that Mr Onikeku and his associates resisted violently, resulting in an attack on Ministry officials.
The statement clarified that Mrs Benson-Awoyinka did not engage in any form of assault. Instead, a senior female member of her team was physically assaulted by individuals not affiliated with the state, which subsequently escalated into the incident depicted in the viral video, presenting a distorted narrative. This video appears to be an attempt to tarnish her reputation.
An investigation into the incident has been initiated, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings.
Read the full statement:
Re: Viral Video Circulating on Social Media
The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media regarding an incident at the J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. It is imperative to set the records straight and 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.K. 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 which 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 Center 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 false narrative. The video posted ostensibly to blackmail her speaks for itself.
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.
An investigation has been ordered into the occurrence, and appropriate actions will be taken.
The Ministry remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the efficient management of all its facilities. The Honourable Commissioner will continue to discharge her duties in the best interest of Lagos State and its citizens.
We urge members of the public to disregard any misrepresentation of the incident and focus on the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Signed:
Seriki Omowunmi
Director, Public Affairs
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture
9th January, 2024
