Sanwo-Olu walks runway at Lagos Fashion Week for designer Ugo Monye

Abdullateef Fowewe

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made a surprise appearance on the runway during the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week, modelling for Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye on Saturday, 31 October.

In a post on his X account, the governor explained his decision to take part, “I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week. Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth.”

Photographs and videos from the event at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island show Sanwo-Olu in a flowing off-white traditional ensemble with embroidered details and a beige fedora, confidently walking the runway to cheers from the audience.

He later appeared alongside other models and the designer.

This marked Sanwo-Olu’s second runway outing at the event since he took office in 2019.

He previously walked for designer Emmy Kasbit in 2023.

Lagos Fashion Week, founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, is an annual platform that showcases Nigerian and African designers to international buyers, media and enthusiasts.

The 2026 edition, themed “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures,” ran from 28 October to 1 November and featured more than 60 designers.

Ugo Monye established his label in 2009 and has become a regular presence at the week, known for blending traditional African aesthetics with contemporary menswear. In 2024, the designer featured singer Davido on his runway.

Sanwo-Olu’s participation underscores ongoing efforts by his administration to promote Lagos as a creative and cultural hub, with the fashion industry viewed as both an expression of identity and an economic contributor.