Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has been called out for flaunting an exotic Patek Philippe sold for N160 million.
Peoples Gazatte reported that the governor flaunted the expensive watch capable of settling N30,000 minimum wage of about 5,333 workers in the state at an event.
According to the report, Sanwo-Olu’s constant show-off shows how insensitive he is to the plight of many Lagos residents who can barely make ends meet due to the fuel subsidy removal.
A social commentator, Feyi Fawehinmi who made a collage of the watch on Sunday afternoon took to his Twitter page and wrote:
“Another day, another one. And trust me, he’s not just ‘changing the straps’ #TheWatchesofSanwo.”
Is it true that he’s wearing a Patek Philippe in the second frame and that they cost £40k or more? Will like someone to verify before rumours start spreading that a Nigerian governor wears expensive watches https://t.co/mC3yNWWTUD
— tyro (@DoubleEph) July 9, 2023
Chrono 24 pegged the watch’s price at £136,189, about N160 million, based on the current exchange rate of N1,170 per pound. The website also listed the cheapest range of Patek Philippe watches at £40,000 and above.
Nigerians across Lagos and other states have continued to lament that President Bola Tinubu’s administration came with untold poverty.
By and large, Mr Sanwo-Olu’s body language of rocking expensive watches at this critical period suggests insensitivity to the average Lagosian who can barely eat a three-square meal.
Gboyega Akosile, a media aide to Mr Sanwo-Olu, did not immediately respond to Peoples Gazette’s request for comment on whether it is appropriate for the governor to flaunt the luxury watch as residents face economic hardship. The amount is sufficient to pay the N30,000 minimum wage of roughly 5,333 civil servants in a month.