On Saturday, October 31, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made his second documented runway appearance at Lagos Fashion Week, walking for Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye. The event took place at the Federal Palace Resort, Victoria Island, during the final evening of main runway shows at the 2026 edition. Sanwo-Olu expressed his support for the city's creative sector through his appearance.
This is not Sanwo-Olu's first time on the Lagos Fashion Week runway. In 2023, he made his debut for Emmy Kasbit, joining models to close the designer's presentation. His latest appearance marks his second time walking the runway at the event since he assumed office in May 2019. Sanwo-Olu's participation has been seen as a show of support for Nigerian designers and the creative economy.
Ugo Monye's presentation was part of Saturday's closing program, which also featured Fruché and Ejiro Amos Tafiri in the evening's final slot. Monye's brand, launched in 2009, initially produced clothing for men and women, with a greater emphasis on female clients, before shifting its focus towards menswear. The label has a notable presence at Lagos Fashion Week, with presentations at several editions.
Sanwo-Olu's involvement in Lagos Fashion Week extends beyond his runway appearances. In 2025, he hosted designers and creatives 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 activities.
Lagos Fashion Week, founded by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, provides a platform for African designers to present their collections and connect with buyers, journalists, and fashion audiences. The 2026 edition, themed "CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures," runs from October 28 to November 1. The program concludes with offsite presentations on Sunday.
Sanwo-Olu's appearance for Ugo Monye follows his previous walk for Emmy Kasbit in 2023, which drew mixed reactions. Some welcomed his participation as support for Nigerian designers, while others criticized him over his administration and the aftermath of the EndSARS protests. The governor has consistently linked his participation to his administration's support for the creative economy.
Other notable figures have walked for Ugo Monye, including singer Davido in 2024, who wore a brown traditional ensemble accessorized with beads, a matching cap, and a staff. Sanwo-Olu's latest appearance demonstrates his continued support for the creative sector and Lagos Fashion Week, a prominent event in the African fashion calendar.
Key points
- Sanwo-Olu's second runway appearance at Lagos Fashion Week was for Ugo Monye's menswear collection.
- The governor's participation in Lagos Fashion Week is seen as a show of support for Nigerian designers and the creative economy.
- Lagos Fashion Week, founded in 2011, provides a platform for African designers to present their collections and connect with industry professionals.
