Some journalists were reportedly denied entry to the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation in Lagos on Monday after event organisers insisted that members of the press must wear branded T-shirts before gaining access.
The event took place at The Delborough Lagos and attracted several prominent guests including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mo Abudu, Don Jazzy, Florence Ita-Giwa, Shade Okoya, Layal Holm, Yeni Kuti, Bose Ogulu, and music couple Darey Art Alade and Deola Art Alade.
Journalist Yinka Olatunbosun of ThisDay detailed the incident in a Facebook post, explaining that reporters invited to cover the event were asked to undergo accreditation outside the venue and were informed they would only be allowed in if they wore branded shirts provided by the organisers.
According to her account, the accreditation process took place on the street, in full public view, rather than on the event premises.
The situation reportedly worsened when the organisers ran out of branded shirts, while security personnel continued enforcing the rule that anyone without the shirt would not be allowed inside.
Olatunbosun said she witnessed journalists from Channels Television, The Guardian, and New Telegraph, along with video content creators, being turned away despite having valid press accreditation.
While some journalists eventually wore the shirts in order to gain access, others declined.
Describing the incident as troubling, Olatunbosun said the requirement sets a dangerous precedent for media coverage.
“It’s a sad day for journalism in Nigeria,” she wrote, questioning whether foreign correspondents would also be required to wear branded clothing before being allowed to report at events.
She also criticised what she described as an attempt to turn journalists into marketers during professional coverage.
According to reports, protests from journalists eventually forced organisers to waive the branded T-shirt requirement, allowing some reporters to enter the venue.
However, tensions reportedly continued inside the venue as journalists covering the red carpet were pushed aside to make way for celebrities.
The presence of numerous video content creators competing for social media footage also contributed to the chaotic atmosphere.
Some journalists from established media organisations eventually left the event, with one describing the situation as “outright disrespectful.”
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, launched at the event, is designed to support young people interested in music and the creative arts.
As of the time of reporting, the event organisers have not publicly responded to journalists’ concerns about the dress requirement.
