Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has faulted content creator Solomon Buchi over his call for foreigners to stop visiting Lagos.

Buchi, in a video shared on Thursday, argued that foreigners seeking to experience what he described as the “truest” and most beautiful side of Nigeria should look beyond Lagos.

He portrayed Lagos as a city dominated by begging, nightlife, artificial lifestyles and what he called a culture of “fakeness”, while urging tourists to explore other Nigerian destinations.

According to the content creator, foreigners could have better experiences in cities and regions including Uyo, Abuja, Jos, Ibadan, Calabar, Taraba, Yola, Kano and Bauchi.

“Stop visiting Lagos if you are non-Nigerian and you want to experience Nigeria in its truest, most beautiful form,” Buchi said.

He further described Lagos as a place characterised by “clubbing and women with fake bums and BBLs”, adding that visitors should consider other parts of the country if they wanted to experience Nigerian culture.

“If you’re Caucasian, Chinese, Asian, whatever you are, stop going to Lagos,” he said.

“There are so many beautiful places in Nigeria that are not Lagos.”

Buchi also suggested that foreigners interested in experiencing Yoruba culture should visit Ibadan rather than Lagos.

His comments, however, drew a sharp response from Akosile, who accused him of unnecessarily denigrating Lagos while promoting other Nigerian destinations.

In a Friday post, the governor’s aide said Buchi could have marketed other parts of the country without portraying Lagos negatively.

“Dear Solomon, you could have done a better job of marketing other parts of Nigeria without displaying your bitterness to Lagos,” Akosile wrote.

He defended Lagos’ nightlife and entertainment industry, arguing that the features Buchi criticised were among the attractions drawing visitors to the state.

“Those clubbing, BBL etc that you mentioned with derision are some of the reasons why Lagos nightlife is interesting and they’re in high demand by those who visit our beautiful city,” he said.

Akosile also questioned the judgment of content creators who make what he described as inflammatory statements online.

“I wonder what you guys smoke before you set up your ring lights and cameras, that makes you vomit diatribe,” he wrote.

Despite the criticism, Akosile maintained that Lagos would continue to develop and remain a major destination for Nigerians and foreigners.

He described the state as a place “where dreams are realised” and said visitors would continue to find several activities and attractions in the city.

“We’re expecting to visit your families and friends in Lagos this December. Plenty of activities await you,” Akosile added.