Petrol Souvenir: Lagos seals event centre
Public outrage over PMS souvenir
National News
Fuel Souvenir
The Lagos State Government has sealed Havillah Event Centre, Oniru, where petrol was used as a souvenir at a party.
According to PUNCH reports, the event centre was sealed by officials of the Lagos Safety Commission and the Rapid Response Squad “for Contravening Public Safety Rules”.
In a post titled, ‘Lagos seals event centre’, the police said, “Rapid Response Squad working in conjunction with Lagos State Safety Commission has sealed Havilah Events Centre, Victoria Island for hosting a party during which litres of premium motor spirit (Petrol) in jerry can were given out as souvenirs.
“Two officials of the centre were arrested today while Lagos Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi has directed that all those involved be arrested.
“The arrest was on the directive of the Lagos State Government that the centre be sealed and all parties involved arrested.”
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, had said Saturday morning that the state government would probe the use of petrol as souvenir at a party.
Omotoso said in a statement that the government’s attention had been drawn to a viral video showing kegs of petrol being handed out as souvenirs at an events centre in Lagos.
He said there was no doubt that the action was dangerous and could lead to loss of lives and property, and it was against all safety measures in such places.
According to him, the Lagos State Government, through the Safety Commission will ensure that all parties to “the reprehensible action are made to account for it”.
“The safety of lives and property of Lagosians and visitors remain a top priority to government.
“We, therefore, advise that actions that can lead to loss of lives and property be avoided,’’ Omotoso added.
Lagos Party: Erelu Okin Speaks As Her Petrol Souvenir Sparks Outrage
Pearl Chidinma Ogbolu, the Erelu Okin of Orile Kemta, whose party in Lagos witnessed petrol souvenir, has spoken on the controversy.
Kegs of fuel bearing ‘Erelu Okin Foundation Installation Party’ stickers were shared at the ceremony.
The footage triggered anger that got the authorities’ attention. Many complained that risks and the pains of Nigerians suffering fuel scarcity were ignored.
Popular Fuji artiste, Malaika performed at the high-profile ceremony attended by many socialites.
Ogbolu, in an Instagram post, apologized for the “momentarily indiscretion of bringing fuel into the hall”.
The Erelu explained that the intention was to show appreciation to guests “for turning up at my event at these hard times”.
“I have paused to reflect and truly apologise and I thank you all for your understanding and criticisms”, she wrote.
On Saturday, the Lagos government sealed Havilah Events Centre in Oniru for contravening public safety rules.
A joint team of the Lagos Safety Commission and the Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) carried out the operation.
Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi has ordered the arrest of all culprits involved.
Sealing the event center might be necessary but I saw nothing in the story about anything done for the woman at the centre of the event. She is the real person to explain to the police and court what happened. All animals are not equal. This must not be buried. Nigerians must continue to press for equity and justice in the case.