Controversy Erupts Over Ajetunmobi Statement ,Sanwo Olu Suspended Aide’s on #EndSARS Protesters

A statement made by Wale Ajetunmobi, the suspended Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sparked widespread controversy and calls for a formal investigation. The incident revolves around a now-deleted post in which Ajetunmobi claimed that some individuals involved in the 2020 arson attack on Television Continental (TVC) during the #EndSARS protests had been “hunted and executed.” His comments have ignited a firestorm of reactions, with critics alleging that the statement suggests possible extrajudicial killings by the state. The #EndSARS protests, which were sparked by police brutality, saw violent clashes and widespread unrest across Lagos, and the aftermath continues to haunt the state government as it grapples with accusations of human rights violations.

Ajetunmobi’s remarks centered around the burning of TVC, a prominent news outlet that was set on fire by protesters in October 2020. In his now-deleted tweet, he referred to individuals allegedly responsible for the attack, including a young man who worked as a cooking gas trader in the Ketu area of Lagos. Ajetunmobi claimed the individual was found with an AK-47 and implied that the young man had been executed. The statement, which quickly spread across social media, was met with outrage as many Nigerians interpreted it as an acknowledgment of the government’s involvement in the reported deaths of those linked to the protests.

Governor’s Response: Suspension of Ajetunmobi and Clarification

Following the public uproar, Ajetunmobi attempted to clarify his comments, asserting that the use of the word “execution” was a mistake and that it was not intended to imply extrajudicial killings. He claimed the statement was part of a broader conversation that was misquoted and taken out of context. According to Ajetunmobi, the post merely reflected his personal opinion and not an official stance from the Lagos State government. He further emphasized that the post had been deleted even before the media made its publication. Despite this explanation, the statement failed to quell the growing concerns and was met with skepticism from both the public and his principal, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In response, the Lagos State Government issued a statement confirming Ajetunmobi’s suspension. Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, condemned the comments, stating that the Sanwo-Olu administration “frowns at any form of extrajudicial punishment” and that such actions would not be supported by the government. While the suspension was welcomed by some as a necessary action, others have called for a more thorough investigation into the nature of the claims made by Ajetunmobi, raising doubts over whether the aide was privy to confidential information or simply spreading misinformation.

Public Reactions and Calls for Investigation

A significant segment of the public is demanding further inquiry into Ajetunmobi’s claims, with human rights advocates and concerned citizens calling for the matter to be investigated by law enforcement agencies. Prominent lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong urged security agencies to summon Ajetunmobi for questioning, asserting that merely suspending him does not address the gravity of the situation. Effiong emphasized that Ajetunmobi’s statement appeared to be a “confession” of extrajudicial killings, which he argued must be thoroughly investigated by appropriate authorities. The comments have raised disturbing questions about the integrity of the state’s response to the #EndSARS protests, with many asking whether these acts were sanctioned by government officials.

Nigerians on social media have also expressed their concerns, with some accusing the government of attempting to cover up its actions. One Twitter user pointed out that Ajetunmobi’s comments may have been an attempt to expose deeper government involvement, whether direct or indirect, in the violent aftermath of the protests. Many have questioned whether the claims made by Ajetunmobi are based on actual events or are merely speculative, but the overall consensus is that the statement warrants a full investigation.

The Need for Transparency and Accountability

The controversy surrounding Ajetunmobi’s statement underscores the broader issues of transparency and accountability within the Lagos State Government. Since the #EndSARS protests, the state government has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of the violence and the alleged loss of life. Despite claims from the Sanwo-Olu administration that no extrajudicial killings took place, the comments made by Ajetunmobi seem to suggest otherwise. Human rights organizations and members of the public are now calling on the government to provide clarity on the situation and ensure that those responsible for any violations are held accountable.

As the fallout from Ajetunmobi’s statement continues, it remains to be seen how the Lagos State Government will respond. While the suspension of the aide is a step in the right direction, many believe that the issue goes far beyond the actions of a single individual and speaks to larger concerns about governance, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria. The investigation into Ajetunmobi’s claims could become a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the legacy of the #EndSARS movement and the government’s role in addressing the grievances raised by protesters.