Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was spotted wearing a luxury wristwatch valued at over N190 million (approximately $127,000) at the wedding of Davido and Chioma Rowland on Wednesday.
The Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph 5930G-11 watch was identified through a search on Chrono24, a prominent online marketplace for high-end timepieces.
The governor’s extravagant accessory has raised eyebrows, given the economic challenges facing Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
This translates to approximately N195 million, based on the current exchange rate of N1,540 to $1.
Nigeria has been grappling with revenue struggles, unemployment, and underdevelopment, amidst concerns over the judicious use of public funds by officials.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has faced scrutiny for his luxury tastes, having been spotted with high-end wristwatches on multiple occasions, sparking questions about his stewardship of public resources.
In 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu was seen wearing a Patek Philippe wristwatch valued at approximately N160 million, sparking controversy amidst widespread poverty in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
This luxury purchase has raised questions about his priorities as a leader, especially given the recent meeting of southern governors to address the growing economic hardship in the region.
Furthermore, Lagos State is among the most indebted states in Nigeria, making the governor’s extravagant expenditure on personal items all the more concerning.