The political atmosphere in Lagos is becoming increasingly tense following claims of a growing rift between Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has raised alarms over alleged plans to unseat the governor, calling on both parties to reconcile before the situation escalates
He claimed there are forces planning to remove the Governor. This is coming on the heels of a rumoured rancor between the governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has been making news lately. Primate Ayodele, in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, recounted that he foretold the crisis between the president and the governor at the beginning of the latter’s second term but was ignored.
He urged Sanwo-Olu to do everything within him to ensure he settles whatever differences that may be occurring to avoid being disgracefully removed, while pleading with Tinubu to stop the planned removal. “I had said Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu will fight. Sanwo-olu’s and Tinubu’s fight hasn’t started; if he isn’t careful, he will be removed. I want to beg Tinubu not to allow them to remove him.
“I’m calling on Sanwo-Olu to reconcile to avoid being disgracefully removed. It’s unfortunate that there are no elderly people in politics; they are all after what they would eat, and they don’t arrange things. If there is no money, they don’t do anything.” He urged Sanwo-Olu to be calm and avoid listening to people who are encouraging him to be strong-hearted about the crisis.
“Sanwo-Olu needs to calm down, find a solution between you and your boss. It is not well, once you leave there you would realize people don’t respect you, they are only with you because you are still there. ”
“I want to urge you to ignore anyone advising you to be strong-hearted, if you are not careful, they will remove you in 2026. Prayers will not be able to save you then if you don’t retrace your steps.”
Lagos state governor Sanwo-Olu was absent on Thursday when President Bola Tinubu officially started the reconstruction of a major road project in the Epe, Ijebu-Ode area. Advertisements Many important officials attended the event, including Babagana Zulum (governor of Borno state) and Femi Hamzat (Lagos deputy governor). According to a report by The Cable, a seat was clearly marked for Sanwo-Olu, but he didn’t turn up. His deputy, Hamzat, sat behind the empty chair instead.
When President Tinubu spoke at the event, he addressed his comments to the deputy governor rather than speaking about the absent governor. During his speech, the president also told state governors to stop approving building plans for illegal islands and developments that are built too close to roads and waterways. “Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and the Ministry of Works on these roads,” the president said.
“I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos state is here. Take it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks, and please note that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.” Lagos Government Yet To React The Lagos government hasn’t officially explained why Sanwo-Olu was absent, but it could be connected to reported tensions between him and the president.
Just last Saturday, President Tinubu publicly ignored Sanwo-Olu during another event – the opening of part of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. Several important people attended that event, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Governor Zulum, Douye Diri (governor of Bayelsa), and Bassey Otu (governor of Cross River).
As President Tinubu walked along the line of officials, he shook hands and greeted each person. But when he reached Sanwo-Olu, he completely skipped him and went straight to greet Ahmed Ododo, the governor of Kogi state, who was standing next to him.
People are speculating that the two politicians have fallen out over what happened with Mudashiru Obasa, who was the Lagos assembly speaker. Obasa was kicked out of his position by most lawmakers in February because they accused him of financial wrongdoing. However, he got his job back after 49 days, reportedly because President Tinubu stepped in to help him.