Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu walked the runway at Lagos Fashion Week 2026. He showcased a collection by Nigerian designer Ugo Monye. The event held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Sanwo-Olu joined professional models. The audience cheered.
Omoyemi Akerele founded Lagos Fashion Week in 2011. It connects designers with buyers, retailers, investors and media. It has grown beyond runway shows. It now includes programmes for entrepreneurship, talent development and sustainable production. The 2026 edition ran from 28 October to 1 November. The theme was “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures.”
Sanwo-Olu posted about the experience on Instagram. “I had a great time on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week,” he said. “Lagos continues to grow as a home for fashion, creativity and culture, and I am always happy to support the people driving this growth.” He said he was proud of creatives who “push boundaries and put Lagos firmly on the global fashion stage.”
The appearance was not his first. He made his runway debut in October 2023, closing designer Emmy Kasbit’s show. This was his second documented appearance since taking office in 2019.
The walk drew attention to the state’s creative economy agenda. Lagos has invested in fashion, music and film as economic drivers. The governor’s presence signals support. It also generates visibility. The images circulated quickly on social media.
Winners: Sanwo-Olu, who gained visibility. Ugo Monye, whose collection was showcased. Lagos Fashion Week, which gained attention. The creative economy, which gained state endorsement. Losers: Critics who see the walk as a distraction. Designers without state platforms. No serious losers if the event boosted the industry.
Bottom Line: A governor walked a runway. It was a fashion moment. It was also a political one. Lagos wants to be a creative capital. The governor showed up. The industry noticed.