Summary: Actress Sarah Martins responds to Lagos Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab after being called out for allegedly cooking on the road while feeding the less privileged in Ajah.
Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has fired back at the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, after he publicly called her out for allegedly cooking on the road while feeding the less privileged.
The drama started when Commissioner Wahab took to X (formerly Twitter) this evening to warn the actress against what he described as cooking on public roads—a practice he claims violates Lagos environmental and public order regulations.
What the Commissioner Said
In his lengthy statement, Wahab acknowledged Sarah’s philanthropic intentions but stressed that her method was unacceptable. According to him, this wasn’t the first time the actress had been cautioned about this issue.
“My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos. While we acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” Wahab wrote.
The Commissioner further explained that cooking or trading on public infrastructure creates safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns. He revealed that Sarah had been warned about the same issue last year but appeared to have returned to her old ways.
“I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos in order to avoid apprehension and prosecution,” he added, threatening arrest if she continued.
Wahab suggested that if Sarah wanted to continue her charitable work, she should do so “through proper channels and in approved locations.”
Sarah Martins Sets the Record Straight
But Sarah wasn’t having any of it. The actress quickly responded, denying that she cooked on any public road as the Commissioner claimed.
According to Sarah, she actually cooked in front of a King’s palace in Ajah, not on the road. She also refuted claims that she constituted any environmental nuisance during her charitable activity.
This clarification has sparked fresh debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether the government’s approach to regulating charity work is appropriate or if it’s simply another case of unnecessary bureaucracy getting in the way of good deeds.
Nigerians React
The exchange has divided opinion online. While some Lagos residents support the Commissioner’s stance on maintaining order and safety in public spaces, others feel the government should focus on more pressing issues affecting the state.
“Na person wey dey feed the poor dem dey threaten with arrest. What about all the people wey dey sell on the road every day?” one Twitter user asked.
Another commented: “Both of them get point sha. But Commissioner, no be only Sarah Martins dey cook for road o. Why you no go arrest all these roadside buka people?”
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the ongoing tension in Lagos between well-meaning charitable activities and the state’s environmental laws. While the government insists on maintaining order in Africa’s most populous city, many wonder if there should be exceptions or better frameworks for people trying to help the vulnerable.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether Sarah Martins will heed the Commissioner’s warning or continue her feeding program in what she considers an appropriate location.
One thing is certain: this conversation about charity, public space, and government regulation is far from over.
Meta Description: Actress Sarah Martins responds to Lagos Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab after being called out for allegedly cooking on the road while feeding the less privileged in Ajah.
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