Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reportedly reinstated Wale Ajetunmobi, his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media.
This comes approximately two months after Ajetunmobi was suspended over allegations of misrepresenting facts related to the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
Ajetunmobi’s suspension was initially announced by Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, who issued a statement condemning a controversial post made by Ajetunmobi on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account. The post was said to contradict the official narrative regarding the protests, prompting the Lagos State Government to distance itself from his comments.
The statement emphasized the importance of professionalism and accuracy in public communications, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining public trust.
According to an insider who spoke with Sahara Reporters, Ajetunmobi’s return was facilitated by lobbying efforts from members of the governor’s inner circle, often referred to as his “kitchen cabinet.” The source revealed that while Ajetunmobi has resumed his duties, he has been advised to adopt a more cautious approach to his online activities.
The source explained:
“Ajetunmobi is back in the office. They asked him to lay low and be cautious about what he posts online. Some of the governor’s close aides advocated for his reinstatement because they like him.”
Efforts to obtain an official comment from Akosile regarding Ajetunmobi’s reported reinstatement were unsuccessful, as no response was given to inquiries on the matter.
The controversy surrounding Ajetunmobi highlights the challenges faced by public officials in navigating personal and professional boundaries on social media. The incident underscores the growing scrutiny on public servants and the importance of aligning personal statements with official positions in sensitive matters.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision to reinstate Ajetunmobi signals a balancing act between accountability and loyalty within his administration.