In the wake of a contentious statement made by Wale Ajetunmobi, the recently suspended Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, calls for an investigation into his comments have intensified, yet the state government has remained conspicuously silent. Ajetunmobi’s controversial remarks, posted on social media, claimed that certain individuals involved in the arson of Television Continental during the #EndSARS protests in 2024 had been “hunted and executed.”
The now-deleted post, which sparked outrage and concern, specifically mentioned that one of the purportedly executed individuals was a young boy working as a cooking gas trader in the Ketu area of Lagos. Following the backlash, Ajetunmobi attempted to clarify his statements, stating that he did not intend to imply extrajudicial killings, referring to his choice of the word “execution” as an unfortunate error.
While the government has distanced itself from Ajetunmobi’s remarks, declaring its disapproval of any form of extrajudicial punishment, there has been no announcement regarding an investigation into the claims he made. Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu, released a statement addressing the issue but did not mention any plans to investigate the matter further.
Attempts by to reach Akosile for clarification on whether an investigation would be initiated following Ajetunmobi’s suspension were unsuccessful, as his phone went unanswered, and subsequent messages received no response. Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also did not reply to inquiries regarding the government’s next steps.
Legal experts and civil rights advocates are weighing in on the situation. In a telephone interview, Monday Ubani, SAN, a former Vice President of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, commended Ajetunmobi’s suspension but emphasized the necessity of a thorough inquiry into his statements. He stated, “The young man voluntarily posted on his platform, using the term ‘execute’ to describe the situation, stating that they were ‘hunted and executed.’ He later clarified that he did not intend to imply extrajudicial actions, explaining that he meant they were arrested and dealt with by the law.”
Ubani expressed the public’s desire to understand the context of Ajetunmobi’s remarks and the truth behind them. He further noted that private individuals could potentially petition the court to compel the government to conduct an investigation, provided they demonstrate a direct impact from the statements made. He stated, “In matters of public interest, individuals can take legal action to compel the government to fulfill its responsibilities. If the government fails to initiate an investigation, a private individual may seek to compel action through the courts.”
Human rights lawyer Collins Aigbogun also called for caution, stressing the importance of avoiding a media trial. He argued that while Ajetunmobi’s position as a government official does not validate or invalidate his statements, it is crucial for the government to address the serious allegations he made. “It is expected that the government, being the subject of such serious allegations, should either refute or confirm them,” Aigbogun stated.
The gravity of Ajetunmobi’s comments, which touch on issues of individual rights and alleged extrajudicial killings, has raised significant concerns within the community. The lack of response from the Lagos State Government has left many questioning the implications of such statements and the need for accountability.
As the situation develops, the public continues to seek clarity on the government’s stance regarding Ajetunmobi’s remarks and any potential investigation into the claims he made. The call for transparency and accountability remains paramount, as individuals and advocates alike push for a resolution to this troubling issue.
The silence of the Lagos State Government in the face of such serious allegations raises questions about the administration’s commitment to justice and accountability. As calls for an investigation grow louder, the implications of Ajetunmobi’s comments and the government’s response will undoubtedly shape public perception and trust in governance.
