Sanwo-Olu Joins Models on Runway for Nigerian Designer Ugo Monye
Kehinde Adeleye
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has returned to the runway at Lagos Fashion Week, walking for Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye during the event’s 2026 edition.
Sanwo-Olu appeared on Saturday night, October 31, at the Federal Palace Resort, Victoria Island, joining models on the runway during the final evening of the main runway shows.
In a social media post after the appearance, the governor said he stepped away from his official duties to support the designer and the wider creative industry.
“I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye at Lagos Fashion Week,” he wrote.
“Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth.”
The appearance marks Sanwo-Olu’s second documented runway outing at Lagos Fashion Week since he assumed office in May 2019.
His first was in 2023, when he walked for designer Emmy Kasbit and joined models to close the presentation.
Reflecting on that appearance, Sanwo-Olu had described creativity as more than fashion, saying it was also an economic force.
His 2023 runway debut attracted mixed reactions, with some commentators applauding his support for Nigerian designers while others criticised his participation, citing concerns about his administration and the aftermath of the EndSARS protests.
This time, the governor walked for Ugo Monye, a Nigerian fashion label established in 2009. The brand initially produced clothing for men and women, with a stronger focus on female clients, before shifting its attention towards menswear.
Monye has featured at several editions of Lagos Fashion Week, with presentations recorded in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The designer has also brought prominent personalities onto the runway. In 2024, singer Davido walked for the brand in a brown traditional outfit accessorised with beads, a matching cap and a staff.
Sanwo-Olu’s relationship with Lagos Fashion Week has also extended beyond runway appearances. During the 2025 edition, he hosted designers and other members of the creative community 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 activities marking the fashion week.
Founded by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, Lagos Fashion Week provides a platform for African designers to showcase their collections and connect with buyers, journalists and fashion audiences.
The 2026 edition, which runs from October 28 to November 1, is themed “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures.” Following three evenings of main runway shows, the programme is scheduled to conclude on Sunday with offsite presentations.
