Following weeks of speculation about a frosty relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the President has finally put the rumours to rest, declaring: “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.”
The remark came during a Sallah homage visit led by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the President’s Ikoyi residence in Lagos. The delegation included Governor Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and key APC leaders in the state.
Background to the Tension
Reports of a strained relationship between the President and Governor Sanwo-Olu gained traction in May after a viral video showed President Tinubu appearing to snub the governor during the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. While Tinubu greeted other governors present, including Borno’s Babagana Zulum and Cross River’s Bassey Otu, he seemed to bypass Sanwo-Olu, sparking widespread speculation.
GAC Pleads for Reconciliation
During the Sallah homage, the GAC Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, openly acknowledged that the President had appeared displeased with some individuals in Lagos, particularly the governor, and pleaded for his forgiveness.
According to sources present at the meeting, neither the President nor the governor revisited the details of their alleged fallout. Instead, GAC members—including Sanwo-Olu—reportedly prostrated before Tinubu in a symbolic act of humility and reconciliation.
A source familiar with the closed-door session said:
“The President didn’t require any explanations. The GAC pleaded for mercy, and he accepted. That was it.”
Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Loyalty
Speaking after the visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the meeting was part of the tradition of paying respect to President Tinubu during festive periods. He dismissed any lingering tension and reaffirmed his loyalty:
“We always look forward to seeing him. This is no exception. We came to pray with him, to show him our support, and to let him know that Lagosians are fully behind him. We feel the impact of his leadership over the past two years, and we’re grateful.”
Ooni of Ife Applauds Tinubu’s Reforms
In a separate Sallah visit, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also met with President Tinubu at his Lagos residence. The monarch commended the President’s efforts in restoring Nigeria’s global economic credibility, particularly the unification of the foreign exchange market.
“Nigeria is now open to the world again,” the Ooni said. “There’s no arbitrage. Investors can bring in dollars and take them out freely—this is progress.”
On security, the monarch voiced his support for the administration’s proposed Forest Guard system, calling it a critical initiative to improve safety and attract foreign investment:
“We’re impressed with the Forest Guard structure. Once security is assured, investments will follow.”
