Sarah Martins Cooking on the Road: Actress Responds After Lagos Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab Calls Her Out
Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has reacted after being publicly called out by Tokunbo Wahab over allegations that she was cooking and distributing food on a public road in Lagos.
The incident sparked debate online after a video surfaced on social media showing the actress preparing meals outdoors and sharing them with people believed to be homeless and less privileged residents in the area. The video quickly gained attention and prompted a response from the Lagos State government.
Tokunbo Wahab, who serves as the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, took to his official social media page to address the issue. In his statement, the commissioner warned that cooking or trading on public roads, walkways, and road medians violates the environmental and public safety regulations enforced by the Lagos State government.
According to Wahab, while the government recognizes the importance of charitable activities and humanitarian efforts, such actions must still comply with the laws governing public spaces in Lagos. He emphasized that the state government cannot allow activities that may obstruct traffic, create sanitation problems, or pose safety risks to residents.
The commissioner further stated that the actress had previously been cautioned about similar activities in the past. He explained that authorities had initially exercised patience due to the charitable nature of her outreach program, but continued violations of environmental regulations could lead to enforcement actions.
Following the public warning, Sarah Martins responded to the allegations and clarified her side of the story. In a statement shared on her social media accounts, the actress denied cooking directly on a public road as suggested by the commissioner.
According to Martins, the cooking activity took place in front of a palace in the Ajah area of Lagos rather than on a highway or busy road. She insisted that her intention was purely humanitarian and aimed at helping people in need.
The actress explained that she regularly organizes outreach programs where she prepares and distributes food to vulnerable individuals such as homeless residents and people struggling with poverty. She noted that the initiative was meant to bring attention to the challenges faced by many disadvantaged people living in the city.
Martins also stressed that the outreach program did not disrupt traffic or create any form of environmental nuisance. She said the location was carefully chosen to avoid inconvenience to the public.
Despite her explanation, the Lagos State government maintains that activities involving cooking, trading, or gathering large groups of people must take place in designated locations approved by authorities. Officials argue that allowing such activities on roads or open public areas could lead to safety hazards, including fire risks and traffic congestion.
Urban management experts say the situation highlights the broader challenge faced by many large cities in balancing humanitarian initiatives with urban regulations designed to maintain order and safety.
Lagos, one of Africa’s most populous and busiest cities, has strict environmental and traffic laws aimed at controlling street trading, illegal dumping, and unauthorized use of public spaces. The government has repeatedly warned residents against using roadsides and walkways for commercial or social activities that could disrupt movement.
At the same time, some social commentators have argued that the government should provide alternative spaces where individuals and organizations can carry out charitable programs without violating environmental laws.
The incident involving Sarah Martins has generated mixed reactions across Nigerian social media platforms. Some users praised the actress for her willingness to help struggling residents, describing her outreach as an act of compassion.
Others, however, supported the Lagos government’s position, noting that laws exist to protect public safety and must be followed regardless of the intentions behind an activity.
As discussions continue online, it remains unclear whether Martins will relocate her charitable feeding program to an officially approved venue. However, the debate has once again drawn attention to the intersection between philanthropy, governance, and urban regulation in modern cities.
For now, the Lagos State government says it will continue enforcing environmental laws while encouraging individuals who wish to carry out charitable activities to do so through proper channels.
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