Fact-check: Viral Video of Gov. Sanwo-Olu Being Confronted by a Woman From 2019, Not recent
BY-Ibrahim Sofiyullaha
Claim:
A video of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu speaking during a campaign has been widely shared online, with claims suggesting it is from a recent event.
caption: screenshot from the video
Verification:
The viral video has sparked controversy partly due to its timing. This comes on the heels of a recent public outcry after Governor Sanwo-Olu suspended an aide for an alleged uncouth statement on X (formerly Twitter). The aide reportedly used controversial words to describe the events of the EndSARS protests.
In the video, an unidentified man, not in uniform but appearing as an official, can also be seen dragging an insistent woman away. This scene added to the online chatter, with many assuming the video reflects current political events.
However, Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu on New Media, debunked these claims. He clarified that the video is from Sanwo-Olu’s 2019 governorship campaign. Gawat pointed out that the video’s banners and elements align with those used in 2019, not in 2024. Furthermore, there is no evidence of Sanwo-Olu making a similar speech in recent weeks, as no ongoing campaign of this nature has been reported.
Conclusion:
The viral video of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is from his 2019 campaign and not a recent event. The claim is false, and its recirculation has likely been amplified by recent controversies surrounding the governor.
