Nigerian President Tinubu and Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Publicly Reconcile
Recent political discourse in Nigeria has been dominated by widespread speculation regarding a strained relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, these tensions appear to have been resolved following a significant reconciliation meeting held on Sunday at the President's private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu and influential members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
The rumours of a rift gained considerable traction following several public incidents. Notably, during the inauguration of the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, a widely circulated video appeared to show President Tinubu overlooking Governor Sanwo-Olu while greeting other dignitaries. Further fueling the speculation was Sanwo-Olu's conspicuous absence when President Tinubu launched the reconstruction of the deep-seaport access road in Lagos state. A seat labelled with the governor’s name was visibly empty, with his deputy occupying a seat behind it.
The crucial peace meeting was reportedly facilitated by the GAC, described as the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. The delegation, led by GAC Chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, included key party leaders. Also present were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat. Some reports also mentioned former Lagos West senator Ganiyu Solomon and former minister of state for defence Musiliu Obanikoro among attendees.
During the meeting, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi reportedly addressed President Tinubu, acknowledging the President's apparent displeasure with certain individuals in the state, particularly Governor Sanwo-Olu, and pleaded for forgiveness and mercy on their behalf. Sources indicated that Olusi appealed to the President to forgive the governor without delving into the specifics of the alleged dispute.
In response, President Tinubu is reported to have declared the matter resolved, stating, "It’s all over now. All is forgiven." Multiple sources quoted him as assuring those present that he was no longer angry with anyone, including Sanwo-Olu, and that "all his sins" had been forgiven. He also reportedly told the GAC members that he would not interfere with the report on the council primary elections, passing it as presented, as a sign of his reconciliation and further stated, "Continue with your work."
