Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has returned to the Lagos Fashion Week runway, this time walking for Nigerian menswear designer, Ugo Monye.
The governor took to the runway on Saturday night, October 31, at the Federal Palace Resort, Victoria Island, during the final evening of main runway shows at the 2026 edition.
In a social media post on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said his appearance reflected his support for the city’s creative sector.
“I stepped away from the usual business of governance to walk the runway for the incredibly talented Ugo Monye 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.”
His appearance follows his 2023 runway debut for Emmy Kasbit, when he joined models to close the designer’s presentation.
The latest outing marks his second documented runway appearance at the event since he assumed office in May 2019.
Monye’s presentation formed part of Saturday’s closing programme, which also featured Fruché and Ejiro Amos Tafiri in the evening’s final slot.
Sanwo-Olu first walked at the event on October 28, 2023, wearing a light blue patterned blazer over a dark T-shirt and blue trousers.
Photographs captured him blowing a kiss towards the audience during Emmy Kasbit’s presentation.
The appearance featured in Guardian Life’s retrospective on Lagos Fashion Week through the years, which traced notable presentations and guest appearances across different editions.
At the time, the governor also linked his participation to his administration’s support for the creative economy.
“Closing the Emmy Kasbit show yesterday, I’m reminded of how creativity isn’t just about fashion; it’s an economic force,” he wrote in a social media post.
His debut drew mixed reactions.
Some commentators welcomed his participation as support for Nigerian designers, while others criticised the governor over his administration and the aftermath of the EndSARS protests.
His latest walk places him on the runway of a label with several Lagos Fashion Week presentations to its name.
Monye launched his brand in 2009.
The label initially produced clothing for men and women, with greater emphasis on female clients, before shifting its focus towards menswear.
Its Lagos Fashion Week runway archive includes presentations at the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 editions.
The designer has also featured prominent figures outside professional modelling.
In 2024, singer Davido walked for the brand in a brown traditional ensemble, accessorised with beads, a matching cap and a staff.
Davido’s appearance and Sanwo-Olu’s earlier walk for Emmy Kasbit featured in Guardian Life’s selection of five memorable runway moments in Nigerian fashion shows.
Sanwo-Olu’s involvement in the event has extended beyond the catwalk.
During the 2025 edition, he hosted designers and other 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 activities marking the fashion week.
Founded by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, Lagos Fashion Week provides a platform for African designers to present their collections and connect with buyers, journalists and fashion audiences.
The 2026 edition runs from October 28 to November 1 under the theme “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures.”
Following three evenings of main runway shows, the programme concludes on Sunday with offsite presentations.
