Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu takes action after aide’s social media post stirs public outrage over #EndSARS protest aftermath.
In a move that has reignited conversations around the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, following a controversial social media post. Ajetunmobi’s statement, which claimed that arsonists involved in the 2020 #EndSARS protests were “hunted and executed,” has sparked a public outcry. The suspension highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the #EndSARS movement and the accountability of those in power when addressing such a fraught chapter in Nigeria’s recent history.
The Controversial Post: A Statement that Went Viral
The incident began when Wale Ajetunmobi posted a claim on social media that seemed to suggest extrajudicial measures had been taken against those involved in the destruction that occurred during the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The post quickly went viral, prompting widespread backlash from social media users, human rights organizations, and activists who viewed the remarks as both inflammatory and unsubstantiated.
Ajetunmobi’s assertion that arsonists were “hunted and executed” fed into existing fears about the use of state power to suppress dissent. The #EndSARS protests, which initially began as a call for police reform, eventually escalated into mass demonstrations that resulted in violence, looting, and destruction, especially in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. Many protesters also allege that security forces responded with excessive force, culminating in the infamous shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate, which left several dead or injured.
Public Outcry: Calls for Accountability and Investigation
The backlash to Ajetunmobi’s remarks was swift and intense. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Nigerian Bar Association, condemned the post, calling for an immediate investigation. “Such statements have no place in a democracy,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. “They not only stoke tension but also undermine the ongoing efforts for truth and justice regarding the events of the #EndSARS protests.”
Nigerians on social media were equally vocal in their opposition, with many demanding that those in positions of power be held accountable for any actions that violate citizens’ rights, especially in the context of the events surrounding the protests.
“How can a government official make such claims without providing evidence?” asked one Twitter user. “This is irresponsible and dangerous rhetoric, especially after what we saw happen in Lekki.”
Governor’s Response: Suspension Amid Growing Pressure
In response to the public outcry, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu acted quickly to distance himself from the controversial remarks. The Lagos State government issued a statement suspending Ajetunmobi and noted that an internal investigation would be conducted to determine the full extent of the incident.
“While we respect the rights of every citizen, including government aides, to express their views, we also recognize the need for responsible public statements, especially on sensitive issues such as the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said in the statement.
The suspension is seen by many as a necessary step to preserve the integrity of the administration, especially as the Lagos state government continues to face pressure to address unresolved questions about the conduct of security forces during and after the protests.
The Broader Context: The #EndSARS Legacy and the Path to Justice
The #EndSARS protests were a watershed moment for Nigeria, drawing global attention to issues of police brutality and human rights abuses. What began as a social media campaign to end the infamous Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) evolved into a wider call for social and political change.
Despite the protests ending, the demand for justice remains alive. The October 2020 Lekki shooting remains one of the most contentious and high-profile aspects of the #EndSARS movement. Activists continue to call for a transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible for the deaths and injuries sustained at the protest.
Yet, while the Lagos state government has committed to investigating the Lekki Toll Gate incident and initiating reforms in the police force, many Nigerians feel that justice has not been fully realized. The ongoing struggle for truth and accountability in the wake of #EndSARS is compounded by divisive rhetoric, misinformation, and allegations of state violence.
