The Lagos State Government has denied allegations by Labour Party candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who claimed that the state funded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s post-election legal dispute.
Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotoso, issued a statement refuting the accusation, deeming it a deceptive ploy without evidence.
Omotoso clarified that although a payment request was submitted, Governor Sanwo-Olu rejected it after the Attorney General identified irregularities.
The commissioner emphasized the necessity for any scrutiny of the state’s finances to be grounded in verified facts.
In his official statement, Omotoso addressed the matter, stating, “A post on ‘X’ by Labour Party (LP) candidate Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, on November 19, 2023, alleged – without any proof whatsoever – that the Lagos State Government funded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s legal dispute after the March 18, 2023 election. This is not true.”
He pointed out that the allegation was supported by a document lacking the Lagos State Government’s logo or official endorsement.
Omotoso characterized it as another attempt to mislead the public regarding a non-existent payment of N50,000,000 to four lawyers.
The commissioner stressed the importance of a rigorous and truthful approach when scrutinizing the finances of the Lagos State Government.
He clarified that the transaction referenced by Mr. Rhodes-Vivour did not occur, as the payment request was rejected due to irregularities.
“To avoid any doubt, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in defiance of his Oath of Office,” Omotoso affirmed, underscoring the commitment to financial transparency and accountability.
