The Lagos State Government has refuted claims made by Labour Party candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour that the state financed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s legal challenge following the March 18, 2023 election.

In a statement responding to the allegation, Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso asserted that the accusation was false and intended to mislead the public.

Omotoso clarified that while a payment request was made, Governor Sanwo-Olu rejected it upon the Attorney General’s identification of irregularities.

The commissioner urged individuals scrutinizing the state’s finances to base their inquiries on verifiable facts.

The statement read: “An allegation was made on social media platform ‘X’ by Labour Party (LP) candidate Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour on November 19, 2023, claiming – 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.

“The allegation was supported by a document that lacked the logo of the Lagos State Government or the endorsement of any of its officials. It was simply another ploy to deceive the public about a non-existent payment of N50,000,000 to four lawyers.

“While it is admirable for patriotic individuals to scrutinize the finances of the Lagos State Government, 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 Mr. Governor when the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it was irregular.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in violation of his Oath of Office.”