Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has suspended his media aide, Wale Ajetunmobi, for controversial remarks made on social media concerning the execution of #EndSARS protesters in 2020.
The suspension was announced in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Gboyega Akosile, who condemned the comments as a “misrepresentation of facts” and reaffirmed the administration’s stance against extrajudicial actions.
Mr. Ajetunmobi had stirred controversy with a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), where he claimed that arsonists responsible for setting fire to Television Continental (TVC) during the #EndSARS protests were “hunted down and executed.”
His post, which included a reference to a young boy allegedly caught with an AK-47, suggested that some of these actions were justified.
When challenged by another X user about his remarks, Mr. Ajetunmobi denied knowledge of extrajudicial killings, stating that the alleged executions occurred during exchanges of fire between soldiers and the suspects.
This response further fueled public outrage, as many interpreted his comments as an endorsement of unlawful killings.
The #EndSARS protests, which began as a movement against police brutality, turned violent in Lagos after unarmed protesters were shot at the Lekki Toll Gate and other areas.
These events, widely condemned, led to widespread destruction, including attacks on government and private properties like the TVC, owned by President Bola Tinubu.
In August 2023, documents surfaced revealing that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved over ₦61 million for the mass burial of 103 individuals reportedly killed during the violence.
This disclosure added another layer of controversy, reigniting debates about the government’s handling of the #EndSARS crisis and the aftermath.
The suspension of Mr. Ajetunmobi underscores the sensitivity surrounding the #EndSARS protests and their fallout.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has sought to distance itself from allegations of extrajudicial killings, emphasizing its commitment to due process and justice.
