Sanwo-Olu Stuns Crowd with Fashion Walk at Lagos Fashion Week

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surprised everyone at the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week on Saturday. He walked the runway for Nigerian designer Ugo Monye.

Mr Sanwo-Olu took to the catwalk during the final evening of the main runway shows at the LagosFW Tents located at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.

The fashion event ran from 28 October to 1 November, featuring over 60 designers from across Africa. The theme was "CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures."

The governor shared that he enjoyed the experience. He said he was glad to support those helping to grow the fashion industry.

"I had a great time on the runway 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.

"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," said the governor.

First Appearance

Mr Sanwo-Olu first walked the LagosFW runway in 2023. This was four years after he became Lagos State governor in 2019.

He made his debut on 28 October during Emmy Kasbit’s showcase. He joined professional models to close the designer’s presentation.

He wore a light-blue patterned blazer, a dark T-shirt, and blue trousers, smiling and blowing kisses to the cheering crowd.

He later said his participation was part of his administration’s commitment to promote the creative industry and boost its role in the economy.

Mr Sanwo-Olu believes the sector can contribute more to Nigeria’s GDP and create jobs. He also promised his government would keep supporting initiatives to grow the industry.

He stated that Lagos and Nigeria are making great progress on the global stage through art and fashion. He urged people in the sector to work together for a better, more prosperous future.

"At the Lagos Fashion Week 2023, I stood proudly in the heart of a city that’s the epicentre of art, culture, and expression. Lagos is where creativity thrives. We continue to support this vibrant community because we believe in its power to transform our city and our economy.

"Closing the Emmy Kasbit show yesterday, I’m reminded of how creativity isn’t just about fashion; it’s an economic force. Creativity is a catalyst for growth. We’ll keep investing in our creative minds, ensuring they have the platform to shine."

Ugo Monye

Monye was featured in Saturday’s final showcase, along with Fruché and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, who also walked the runway that evening.

Since starting his label in 2009, Monye has changed its creative focus. Initially, the brand served both men and women, with a stronger focus on women. Now, it has shifted more towards menswear.

His participation in LagosFW has included several years, such as 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

In addition to professional models, Monye has included well-known personalities in his shows. Davido was one of them in 2024 when he walked the runway in a brown traditional outfit, complete with beads, a matching cap, and a staff.