Sanwo-Olu makes runaway appearance at Lagos Fashion Week (PHOTOS)

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surprised attendees at the 2026 Lagos Fashion Week (LagosFW) on Saturday by making a runway appearance for Nigerian designer Ugo Monye.

Mr Sanwo-Olu walked for the menswear designer during the final evening of the main runway shows at the LagosFW Tents at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The fashion event, held from 28 October to 1 November, featured more than 60 designers from across Africa under the theme “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures.”

The governor described the experience as enjoyable, saying he welcomed the opportunity to support people contributing to the fashion industry’s growth.

“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 graced the LagosFW runway in 2023, four years after assuming office as Lagos State governor in 2019.

The governor made his debut on 28 October that year during Emmy Kasbit’s showcase, where he joined professional models to close the designer’s presentation.

He appeared in a light-blue patterned blazer, a dark T-shirt and blue trousers, smiling and blowing a kiss to the cheering audience.

He later attributed his participation to his administration’s drive to promote the creative industry and expand its contribution to the economy.

Mr Sanwo-Olu maintained that the sector could contribute more substantially to Nigeria’s GDP and create jobs. He also pledged his government’s continued support for initiatives to develop the industry.

He said Lagos and Nigeria were making significant strides on the global stage through art and fashion, urging people in the sector to collaborate toward a brighter, 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 took his place in Saturday’s closing showcase, presenting alongside Fruché and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, who also featured in the evening’s final runway segment.

Since establishing his label in 2009, Monye has evolved its creative direction. The brand initially catered to both male and female customers, with a stronger focus on women, before gradually transitioning to menswear.

His participation in LagosFW spans several editions, including the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 showcases.

Beyond professional models, Monye has enlisted well-known personalities to showcase his designs. Davido was among them in 2024 when the singer appeared on the runway in a brown traditional outfit, complete with beads, a matching cap and a staff.

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The designer also had a hand in Davido’s high-profile wedding, creating the customised traditional outfits the singer wore for the occasion. His 2024 appearance was Davido’s second runway outing, after he modelled for Puma in 2022.

LagosFW

Mr Sanwo-Olu’s relationship with LagosFW goes beyond attending runway shows. In 2025, he hosted designers and other creative industry figures at Lagos House, Marina, during a reception that also attracted American singer Ciara.

As part of the fashion week’s programme, Mr Sanwo-Olu joined Ciara at the Nigerian Exchange for the closing-gong ceremony.

Omoyemi Akerele established LagosFW in 2011 as an annual fashion showcase in Lagos. Over the years, the event has developed into a major platform for African fashion, drawing attention from audiences and media organisations within and outside the continent.

LagosFW allows more than 60 Nigerian and African designers to showcase their work to an international audience of over 40,000 retailers, journalists and consumers.

The platform has also boosted the global visibility of African fashion labels such as Orange Culture, Lisa Folawiyo, and Christie Brown.