Sanwo-Olu Makes Second Runway Appearance at Lagos Fashion Week
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made his second documented runway appearance at Lagos Fashion Week on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when he joined models to showcase a menswear collection by Nigerian designer Ugo Monye at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The governor’s surprise appearance took place during the final evening of the main runway shows at the 2026 edition of the fashion event, which brought together more than 60 designers from across Africa between Wednesday, October 28, and Sunday, November 1.
Dressed in a flowing off-white ensemble combining traditional Nigerian caftan styling with a kimono-inspired design, complemented by a beige fedora, Sanwo-Olu walked down the runway to applause from the audience.
He later shared photographs and a video of the appearance on his verified social media account, describing the experience as an opportunity to support Nigerian creativity and the people contributing to the growth of the fashion industry.
“I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week,” the governor wrote.
He added, “Full-time Governor, full-time public servant and for one night, part-time model.”
“I had a really good time.”
Sanwo-Olu also expressed pride in the creative community, saying: “Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth.”
“I am proud of our creatives who continue to push boundaries and put Lagos firmly on the global fashion stage.”
“This is Lagos. We move differently,” he added.
The appearance marked the governor’s second documented walk on the Lagos Fashion Week runway since he assumed office in May 2019, following his debut on Saturday, October 28, 2023, during a presentation by Nigerian designer Emmy Kasbit.
During the 2023 showcase, Sanwo-Olu joined professional models to close Kasbit’s presentation, wearing a light-blue patterned blazer over a dark T-shirt and blue trousers.
He subsequently linked his participation to the economic potential of the creative industry, describing fashion and creativity as more than entertainment.
“Closing the Emmy Kasbit show yesterday, I’m reminded of how creativity isn’t just about fashion; it’s an economic force,” he said in a social media post.
The governor’s latest appearance came as Monye presented his collection during the closing programme of the main runway shows, alongside Nigerian fashion labels Fruché and Ejiro Amos Tafiri.
Monye established his fashion label in 2009, initially producing clothing for both men and women before gradually shifting its creative focus towards menswear.
The designer has featured at several editions of Lagos Fashion Week, including the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 showcases.
His label has also featured personalities outside professional modelling, including Nigerian singer Davido, who walked for the brand in 2024 in a brown traditional outfit accessorised with beads, a matching cap and a staff.
The 2026 Lagos Fashion Week was held under the theme, “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures,” with a programme focused on African heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and the future of sustainable fashion.
Beyond the runway presentations, the event provided a platform for designers, buyers, fashion professionals, journalists and other industry participants to connect and showcase African creative talent.
Sanwo-Olu’s relationship with the fashion week has also extended beyond runway appearances.
During the 2025 edition, he hosted designers and other creative industry stakeholders at Lagos House, Marina, at a reception attended by American singer Ciara.
He also joined Ciara for a closing-gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange as part of the fashion week’s activities.
Lagos Fashion Week was founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele to provide a platform for Nigerian and other African designers to present their collections and connect with local and international fashion audiences.
The 2026 edition concluded on Sunday, November 1, following five days of activities that placed Lagos at the centre of conversations about African fashion, creative enterprise and cultural expression.
