Sanwo-Olu Returns to Lagos Fashion Week Runway, Walks for Designer Ugo Monye

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made a surprise appearance on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week 2026, walking alongside professional models during a presentation by Nigerian menswear designer Ugo Monye.

The governor took to the catwalk on Saturday, October 31, during the final evening of the main runway shows at the LagosFW Tents, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

His appearance formed part of the closing presentations for the evening, which also featured Nigerian fashion labels Fruché and Ejiro Amos Tafiri.

Photographs and videos from the event showed Sanwo-Olu participating in the designer's presentation, drawing attention from guests and fashion enthusiasts.

In a post shared on his social media account, the governor described the experience as enjoyable and said he was pleased to support the people contributing to the growth of Lagos' fashion and creative industries.

“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.

He added that Lagos was continuing to grow as a centre for fashion, creativity and culture, expressing pride in creatives working to place the state on the global fashion stage.

A second appearance on the runway

The 2026 appearance was not Sanwo-Olu's first experience as a runway participant.

The governor previously walked at Lagos Fashion Week on October 28, 2023, when he joined models to close Nigerian designer Emmy Kasbit's presentation.

During that appearance, he wore a light blue patterned blazer over a dark T-shirt and blue trousers. His participation attracted attention beyond the fashion audience, with photographs showing him interacting with the crowd during the presentation.

At the time, Sanwo-Olu linked his involvement to the economic importance of the creative sector, describing creativity as more than an artistic activity.

He said the industry could contribute to economic growth and create opportunities for people working across different parts of the creative value chain.

His return to the runway in 2026 therefore continues a relationship with the event that has extended beyond attending as a government official.

In 2025, the governor also hosted designers and other creative industry figures at Lagos House, Marina, during a reception attended by American singer Ciara. He later joined her for a closing-gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange as part of activities associated with the fashion week.

Who is Ugo Monye

Sanwo-Olu's latest appearance was in support of Ugo Monye, a Nigerian designer whose label has become a familiar name within the country's fashion industry.

Monye established his fashion brand in 2009. The label initially produced clothing for both men and women, with a stronger emphasis on female clients, before gradually shifting towards menswear.

His work has featured in several editions of Lagos Fashion Week, including the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 showcases.

The designer has also used public figures to present his collections. Nigerian singer Davido walked for the brand in 2024, wearing a traditional-inspired outfit accessorised with beads, a matching cap and a staff.

Having the Lagos governor participate in his latest presentation placed another high-profile figure on the designer's runway and brought additional attention to the collection.

Fashion and the creative economy

Sanwo-Olu's appearance also brought renewed attention to the relationship between government and Nigeria's creative economy.

Fashion is connected to several areas of economic activity, including textile production, tailoring, photography, modelling, marketing, logistics, retail and event management.

A fashion showcase can therefore create opportunities for professionals whose contributions may not always be visible to audiences watching the runway.

For designers, events such as Lagos Fashion Week offer opportunities to present their work, build relationships with buyers and connect with potential partners.

However, the industry's growth also depends on the conditions in which creative businesses operate.

Access to finance, reliable electricity, manufacturing facilities, skilled labour and distribution networks remain important considerations for fashion entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses.

The broader discussions at the 2026 edition of Lagos Fashion Week addressed several of these challenges, particularly the need to strengthen the infrastructure supporting African fashion.

Sanwo-Olu's participation provided a visible show of support, although a runway appearance alone cannot address the practical challenges facing designers and other creative businesses.

For government support to translate into measurable industry growth, creative professionals need policies and programmes that improve access to funding, strengthen local production and create opportunities for businesses to compete in wider markets.

More than a runway moment

Founded in 2011 by Omoyemi Akerele, Lagos Fashion Week has developed into a major platform for Nigerian and African designers.

The 2026 edition, held from October 28 to November 1, featured more than 60 designers under the theme “CRAFTED: Heritage. Innovation. Circular Futures.”

The event brought together fashion professionals, creatives and audiences interested in the development of African fashion.

Sanwo-Olu's appearance was one of the memorable moments of the showcase, but its significance extends beyond the governor's participation in a fashion presentation.

It renewed the conversation about how public institutions can engage with creative industries and support the people building businesses around Nigerian talent.

As African fashion continues to attract international attention, the challenge for policymakers and industry stakeholders will be ensuring that the visibility generated by events like Lagos Fashion Week translates into stronger businesses, employment opportunities and sustainable growth.