Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surprised attendees at Lagos Fashion Week by stepping onto the runway, wearing a collection created by Nigerian fashion designer Ugo Monye.
The governor stormed the runway alongside models on Saturday, drawing loud applause from the audience upon recognition.
Sanwo-Olu’s runway appearance highlighted his support for the creative industry in Lagos, particularly the fashion sector, which drives the state’s cultural and entertainment economy.
Following the event, the governor addressed his participation on his X account, describing the moment as a welcome break from his routine governance duties.
He wrote, “I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week. Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth.”
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Lagos fashion week
Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, Lagos Fashion Week is an annual multi-day event that offers African designers a platform to showcase their collections to buyers, media professionals, and fashion enthusiasts.
The annual showcase has grown into a major fixture on Africa’s creative calendar, attracting international visibility and driving growth across the continent’s fashion economy.
Sanwo-Olu’s participation draws mixed reaction
However, several Nigerians have condemned the move and social media users have expressed their opinions over Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s participation in the fashion event runway show.
@Femia 86 said, “U can just do that full time and leave governance for people who truly know what it takes to govern”.
@The_Akinola wrote, “meanwhile lagos sits in darkness, do you even have any idea what the job of a governor is?”
@AgbadoABAT also wrote, “May Olodumare not allow people like you happen to Lagos again. Ase”
@LT_Donapossu also wrote, “Until I see an Eastern Governor publicly support a Yoruba craft, or A Northern Gov support an Eastern Craft, UNTIL THEN, I condem dis hypocritical B.S.
MY GOVERNOR shouldn’t be SUPPORTIN AN OUTSIDER when I clearly wouldn’t get d same treatment.
There is nothing like One Nigeria.”
