Saturday, August 22, 2026

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

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States

Police dislodge bandits’ hideout, rescue three kidnap victims in Kaduna

Mr Hassan said the rescued victims have been reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

World

Chinese humanoid robot ‘Lightning’ beats Usain Bolt’s 100m world record

The robot’s time also edged Bolt’s world record of 9.58 seconds in the men’s 100m, which the Jamaican set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

Nyesom Wike

Politics

My goal is to deliver Rivers, FCT for Tinubu in 2027; not interested in APC campaign DG position: Wike 

Mr Wike said that he has no interest in being a member of Mr Tinubu’s presidential campaign council.

Africa

Former world boxing champion Zolani Tete shot dead outside his home in South Africa

The motive behind the killing of the boxer is yet to be ascertained, according to the police.

Sport

List of Premier League stars expected to shine in 2026/2027 season

Last season, Gonzalo García scored 12 goals and provided four assists in all competitions.

American Airlines

World

Passenger’s laptop catches fire on American Airlines flight

The plane, which took off from Atlanta, had 133 individuals on board.