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Governor Sanwo-Olu flaunts N160 million Patek Philippe wristwatch as poverty worsens in Lagos

The amount is sufficient to pay the N30,000 minimum wage of roughly 5,333 civil servants in a month.

• August 20, 2023
Composite of Babajide Sanwoolu and Patek Philippe wristwatch
Composite of Babajide Sanwoolu and Patek Philippe wristwatch

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has continued to flaunt his exotic collection of wristwatches, including a Patek Philippe, estimated to sell for N160 million, as poverty and soaring inflation bite harder in the commercial hub.

Mr Sanwo-Olu’s constant show-off has been deemed insensitive to the plight of many Lagos residents who can barely make ends meet due to the fuel subsidy removal.

The provocative display of luxury was spotted by social commentator Feyi Fawehinmi on Sunday afternoon. He made a collage of the governor wearing a Patek Philippe and the watch’s price on the Chrono24 website, a platform where the wealthiest people in the world shop for their wrist candies.

Chrono 24 pegged the watch’s price at £136,189, about N160 million, based on the current exchange rate of N1,170 per pound. The website also listed the cheapest range of Patek Philippe watches at £40,000 and above.

Nigerians across Lagos and other states have continued to lament that President Bola Tinubu’s administration came with untold poverty.

By and large, Mr Sanwo-Olu’s body language of rocking expensive watches at this critical period suggests insensitivity to the average Lagosian who can barely eat a three-square meal.

Gboyega Akosile, a media aide to Mr Sanwo-Olu, did not immediately respond to Peoples Gazette’s request for comment on whether it is appropriate for the governor to flaunt the luxury watch as residents face economic hardship. The amount is sufficient to pay the N30,000 minimum wage of roughly 5,333 civil servants in a month

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