Refutation of Accusations Regarding Financial Impropriety by Lagos State

Accusations of financial misconduct against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s (LP) governorship candidate, were refuted by the Lagos State government on Tuesday in Ikeja.

Rhodes-Vivour claimed on November 19 via Twitter that Sanwo-Olu used public funds to finance his response to the electoral petition filed by LP, alleging a payment of N50 million in legal fees to four lawyers from the governor’s out-of-state funds.

In response to the allegation, Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that Rhodes-Vivour’s claim was untrue.

Omotoso stated, “The allegation was simply another ploy to deceive the public about a non-existent payment of N50 million to four lawyers. While it is worthwhile for patriotic individuals to scrutinize the finances of Lagos State, the outcome of such inquiry must always be based on verified facts and nothing but the truth. The transaction referenced by Mr Rhodes-Vivour never took place. There was a payment request, which was not approved by the governor when the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it was irregular. For the avoidance of doubt, Gov. Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in defiance of his Oath of Office.’’

Omotoso further pointed out that Rhodes-Vivour provided evidence for his claim in a document lacking the official seal of the Lagos State Government and the approval of any of its representatives.