The clarification follows a public caution issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who reiterated that cooking on public roads and walkways contravenes sanitation and environmental laws in the state.
In an open letter addressing the issue, Martins maintained that the cooking activity did not take place on a public walkway or a busy road, contrary to reports circulating online.
“I would like to respectfully clarify that I did not cook on the walkway or on the main street,” she said.
“The meal was prepared in front of the King’s Palace under the supervision of security personnel, and the activity took place very far from the main road, ensuring that it did not obstruct movement or create any public nuisance.”
Emotional Visit to Reconnect With Children
According to the actress, the visit was driven by an emotional desire to reconnect with children in the area with whom she had previously shared moments through charitable outreach activities.
She explained that the children had repeatedly asked her to return and cook with them whenever she passed through the area.
“The visit was simply born out of an emotional moment. I had deeply missed the bond I share with the vulnerable street children in that area,” Martins wrote.
“As I occasionally drive past that axis, the children often plead with me to come back and cook with them like I used to. On this particular day, I decided to spend some time with them and prepare a meal, purely to reconnect and create memories with the kids who have always shown me genuine love.”
Apology and Commitment to Follow Regulations
Despite defending her intentions, the actress acknowledged the concerns raised by authorities and apologised if her actions were interpreted as a breach of Lagos environmental laws.
She stressed that she holds the state’s sanitation standards in high regard and had no intention of causing any disruption.
“My brief return to that location was never intended to create any form of public nuisance, but simply to share a heartfelt moment with children who have continued to ask for my presence,” she stated.
“However, if my actions were perceived as inappropriate in any way, I sincerely apologise. I hold the laws and environmental standards of Lagos State in the highest regard.”
Future Activities to Be Held in Charity Kitchen
Martins also confirmed that future feeding programmes will be conducted within the dedicated facility belonging to her organisation, the Sarah Martins Golden Heart Foundation.
“Going forward, I will ensure that all cooking activities are carried out strictly within the charity kitchen provided for the foundation,” she added.
She also expressed appreciation to Seyi Tinubu for supporting the foundation with a fully equipped charity kitchen intended to provide a structured environment for feeding initiatives.
“I would also like to emphasise that Mr. Seyi Tinubu generously empowered my foundation with a charity kitchen specifically to ensure that our feeding programs are conducted in a proper and organised environment,” she said.
Previous Incident With Authorities
The recent clarification comes months after Martins had an earlier encounter with enforcement authorities. In October 2025, officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) reportedly arrested the actress while she was cooking on a road median in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Her cooking equipment was seized during the operation, with the Lagos State Government defending the enforcement action as part of efforts to maintain environmental sanitation and public safety.
With her latest statement, Martins says she hopes to continue her charitable outreach in a way that remains organised, lawful, and beneficial to the children she seeks to support.