By: Sam Doak
March 6 2023
False: Lagos' governor invited Igbo business leaders to dinner in an attempt to boost his re-election efforts.
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Fact-Check
The Verdict False
Logically contacted the venue listed and was told no such event took place. The authenticity of this invite has been denied by the Governor's staff.
Claim ID 2a0e4f9a
Context
On March 11, residents of Lagos state will vote in the upcoming gubernatorial election. In the lead-up to this contest, an image has been circulating online that concerns the incumbent candidate, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. It shows what appears to be a card inviting guests to an event with the governor and reads, "You are cordially invited to A Dinner & One-on-One Interaction With the Executive Governor of Lagos State MR. BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU & IGBO CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY."
This image has been interpreted by some on social media as proof of an effort by Sanwo-Olu to increase his chances of re-election by courting business leaders. A post on Facebook makes this clear, captioning the image with the statement, "With the growing fear he could lose his Governorship seat to LP's GRV, Gov. Sanwo-Olu Is set to meet with Igbo captains of Industry in Lagos."
In Fact
Numerous officials employed by the Lagos state government have denied that this event was planned. Gboyega Akosile, the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, posted an image of the invitation with the caption, "Kindly disregard this fakery flying around." Similarly, Jubril Gawat, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu, shared the photo on Twitter, telling his audience that it constitutes "FAKE NEWS."
To verify that this event did not occur, Logically contacted the Balmoral Convention Centre, the venue listed on the invitation. An employee at the center informed Logically that no event involving Sanwo-Olu was held on their premises around the time listed on the invitation circulating online.
Logically also contacted the phone number listed on the invitation in question. This is publicly linked to an organization called the "League of Anambra Professionals," which describes itself as "a platform for Anambra people to work together to rebuild the homeland into a rich, modern, free and safe society." The person who answered told Logically that they were aware that an invitation was circulating with their contact information on it, but said that it had been created without their prior knowledge or involvement.
Logically checked public social media accounts and websites associated with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his official office. No record of this invitation or event could be found.
The Verdict
The invitation shown in various social media posts does not appear to be genuine. Its authenticity has been refuted by numerous sources attached to the governor's office, and no record of it can be found on any of his associated social media accounts or websites. In addition to this, the venue has stated that no such event took place, and the phone number included on the invitation connects to an organization that told Logically they had no prior knowledge of any such plan. This claim has therefore been marked as false.