LAGOS – President Bola Tinubu has dispelled rumours of a strained relationship with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declaring that all is well between them.
Addressing concerns during a Sallah homage visit at his Ikoyi residence on Sunday, Tinubu said, “It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” in response to appeals made by leaders of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Speculation of a frosty relationship had intensified in recent weeks, especially after a video surfaced in May showing Tinubu apparently bypassing Sanwo-Olu during the inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. In the footage, the President was seen greeting several dignitaries while seemingly ignoring the Lagos governor.
During the Sallah visit led by GAC Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Tinubu received Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and other key figures including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, APC Lagos Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Senators Tokunbo Abiru and Ganiyu Solomon, and Cardinal James Odunmbaku.
According to insiders, the meeting did not delve into the specifics of the alleged rift. Instead, GAC leaders pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of Sanwo-Olu, with some members reportedly prostrating in a show of humility and reconciliation. Tinubu was said to have assured them that he held no grudge against the governor.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the visit as a customary courtesy during festive periods. “Whenever Mr. President is in town during celebrations, the GAC and APC leadership visit to felicitate with him. This is no exception. We came to pray with him and reaffirm the support of Lagosians,” he said.
The visit appears to have calmed speculation, reinforcing Tinubu’s continued political ties with the Lagos State leadership.
