Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has come under heavy criticism from Nigerians on social media over his congratulatory message to Nigeria’s payment technology company, Flutterwave.

The fintech company announced on Wednesday that it has secured a remarkable turnaround in Series C funding round from a leading group of international investors led by New York-based private investment firm, Avenir Growth Capital and U.S. hedge fund and investment firm, Tiger Global.

Consequently, the value of Flutterwave rose from over $1 billion (N381,250,000) after closing the $170m Series C funding round, arguably the largest amount ever secured by any African outfit.

The news of Flutterwave’s $170m investment received widespread commendation across the globe as Nigerians including those in Diaspora applauded the duo of Olugbenga Agboola and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – owners of Flutterwave.

Trouble, however, broke on the internet when the incumbent governor of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu also praised the duo for their resilience via his official Twitter handle.

“Huge congratulations to Gbenga and the entire team of @theflutterwave for this landmark achievement. Stories of how they are enabling SMEs are everywhere around us and as a government, we are committed to supporting deeper interaction,” Sanwo-Olu tweeted.

His messages generated a backlash from a section of Nigerians, mostly young and middle-aged, who said the governor runs one of the most anti-SMEs policies in the country.

A certain Tosin Olugbenga wrote:

“Flutterwave should be expecting letters from Lagos State and the Federal Government soon. Stamp duty on valuation payable on every $1 million. Or CBN would introduce regulations for fintech shortly.. Something must surely happen.”

Another user identified as Demola of Lagos stated:

“This clown is congratulating Flutterwave but it was the same clown that frustrated OPay, Gokada and MaxNG out of business. Say na “supporting deeper interaction…” Ko fokin danu!”

The third tweet from @AnnJstunn3r says:

“Why do I have a feeling you’ll be looking for ways for tax them or ruin them completely like you did to Gokada? And don’t think we’ve forgotten that you’re a murderer.”

Flutterwave has an active presence in 11 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, and at the time of its Series B just over one year ago had processed 100 million transactions valued at over $5.4bn for global leaders including Uber