Following widespread reports of a strained relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the president has publicly dispelled the speculation, affirming that their relationship remains cordial. Tinubu made this declaration on Sunday while receiving the governor and other prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who paid him a Sallah (Eid-el-Kabir) homage at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
The visit, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), included key political figures such as the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; APC Lagos Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Senator Ganiyu Solomon, and Cardinal James Odunmbaku, among others.
In recent weeks, social media had been awash with rumors of a “cold war” between the President and the Governor, intensified by an incident during the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. In a video that went viral, President Tinubu appeared to bypass Sanwo-Olu while greeting other dignitaries, including Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Bassey Otu (Cross River).
At the Sallah gathering, Prince Olusi acknowledged the President’s perceived displeasure and pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of the governor and other concerned individuals. Tinubu, in his response, dismissed the notion of a rift and stated clearly: “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.” He emphasized that he bore no grudge against anyone, not even Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Multiple sources privy to the meeting revealed that Sanwo-Olu, along with other members of the GAC, reportedly prostrated before the President as a gesture of remorse and reconciliation. The meeting did not delve into detailed explanations of the past misunderstandings but focused on making peace and reaffirming loyalty.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the visit as a traditional act of respect and support during festive periods, stating:
“As is customary, whenever Mr. President is in Lagos during festive seasons, we, the GAC and APC leaders, come to pay homage. We’ve come to felicitate with him and reaffirm that Lagosians stand firmly behind his leadership.”
He further praised the President’s achievements in office over the past two years, highlighting the tangible impact of his administration’s policies.
In a related development, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, also visited President Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence. Speaking after a closed-door meeting, the monarch lauded the President’s leadership and international economic reforms. He recounted his recent trip to Kazakhstan, noting that Nigeria’s image under Tinubu is improving globally.
The Ooni particularly praised the administration’s proposed restructuring of the Forest Guard system, calling it a vital move towards enhanced national security.
“We’re happy with the Forest Guard plan and the government’s efforts to bolster policing in our forests across the north and south,” the monarch said.
He added that improved security would lay a strong foundation for investor confidence and sustainable development in the country.
With these developments, the President appears to be consolidating political support both within Lagos and among traditional institutions, as he continues to navigate key national reforms.
