LAGOS, Nigeria — Wale Ajetunmobi, Senior Special Assistant on Print Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been suspended following controversial remarks made on his personal X account regarding the 2020 arson of Television Continental (TVC) during the #EndSARS protests.
Ajetunmobi claimed that the perpetrators of the attack on the TVC building were “hunted and executed,” sparking widespread criticism and prompting swift action from the governor’s office.
In a series of posts, Ajetunmobi alleged that the majority of those involved in the arson were killed by soldiers, stating, “The full story of people who burnt down TVC in 2020 will be told one day, with gory clips and images. One thing to note: majority of them have been hunted down and executed.”
When confronted online about these remarks, Ajetunmobi doubled down, asserting that some of the alleged arsonists were killed during “an exchange of gunfire” with soldiers.
He dismissed allegations of extrajudicial killings, stating, “Some of the people were chased by soldiers and exchange of fire occurred. Then arsonists were overpowered and killed in the process. Others ran away. Is that an extra-judicial killing to you?”
However, no official reports or investigations from October 21, 2020—the day a part of TVC was set ablaze—have documented any gunfire exchanges related to the incident.
Governor’s Office Responds
In a statement on Tuesday, Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu, announced Ajetunmobi’s suspension.
The decision came in response to what Akosile described as “misrepresentation of facts” regarding the events of 2020.
“Mr. Ajetunmobi’s suspension comes on the heels of the misrepresentation of facts on his personal ‘X’ account on a past incident,” Akosile said.
“The Governor wishes to state categorically that his administration frowns at any form of extrajudicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action. That is not who we are. That is not our way.”
Context: The TVC Arson and #EndSARS Protests
The arson attack on TVC, reportedly owned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, occurred during the height of the #EndSARS protests, a nationwide movement against police brutality in Nigeria.
Protesters accused the government of suppressing peaceful demonstrations, leading to violence and destruction in several areas, including Lagos.
The #EndSARS protests were followed by allegations of extrajudicial killings during the military’s response to demonstrations, particularly at the Lekki Toll Gate incident.
The events of October 2020 remain a deeply sensitive subject in Nigeria’s public discourse.
A Divisive Episode
Ajetunmobi’s remarks have reignited debates about accountability, justice, and transparency surrounding the government’s handling of the #EndSARS protests.
His suspension reflects the Lagos State government’s efforts to distance itself from the controversy and affirm its opposition to extrajudicial actions.
As calls for justice and clarity continue, the incident underscores the enduring legacy of the #EndSARS movement and its impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.
