Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has dismissed speculations of a rift between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such rumours as unfounded and mischievous.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday following a closed-door meeting with the President at his Ikoyi residence, Sanwo-Olu said there is no discord whatsoever, reaffirming his loyalty and that of Lagos State to Tinubu’s leadership.
“There’s none,” the Governor said in response to a reporter’s question about reported tensions between him and the President.
“Even you are smiling and I’m smiling. There are people that believe they are more Catholic than the Pope. There are things that you see—people crying more than the bereaved. He’s my father, he’s my leader, and we’re grateful that he gave us audience today”, Sanwo-Olu assured.
The meeting, which included members of the influential Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), was described by Sanwo-Olu as a routine festive courtesy visit.
He said the group took the opportunity to show support for the President and express their satisfaction with his leadership over the past two years.
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“It’s our usual festive period courtesy visit. It’s a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers and leaders of our party. The GAC looks forward to it every time he is around, and this was no exception”, the governor explained.
Sanwo-Olu praised President Tinubu’s administration for delivering tangible improvements, particularly in the economy and public infrastructure.
Highlighting recent developments in Lagos, he pointed to the unveiling of newly acquired Blue Line trains, a project he credited the President for supporting.
“Coincidentally, earlier today, I unveiled our new Blue Line trains at the National Arts Theatre. We received 12 brand new coaches—four sets of three-car trains.
“At that unveiling, we acknowledged and thanked Mr. President because he made it happen. About a year and a half ago, he supported us under his intervention for subsidy removal, understanding that Lagos would need additional means of transportation”, Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor added that the economic reforms implemented under Tinubu’s leadership are beginning to yield visible results.
“We can feel it. We can see it. For the first time, you see petroleum pump prices coming down. You see food prices coming down. These are things that put money in citizens’ pockets. If you’ve done well, let’s say it”, he said.
On the recent call for protests by some groups ahead of June 12, Sanwo-Olu questioned the motives behind the planned demonstrations.
He urged Nigerians to allow the President more time, stressing that the country’s economic trajectory had taken a positive turn.
“I also want to use this opportunity to admonish… we’re hearing people saying they want to protest on June 12. What will be the basis? We’re engaging them, we’re talking to them. In two years, give this President more time. The economy has made a positive bend, and we just need to stay the course”, the governor said.
During the meeting, President Tinubu reportedly charged party leaders to focus on grassroots mobilization ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
Sanwo-Olu described the gathering as one marked by unity and enthusiasm.
“He was very happy to see us—extremely happy. He was excited that we are one big, happy family and not divided in any form. We all honestly pledged our full loyalty to him and his government. It was unanimous”, Sanwo-Olu said.
Sunday’s public show of solidarity puts to rest rumours of any internal friction, reaffirming that Lagos continues to serve as a political bulwark for the Tinubu administration.
As Sanwo-Olu put it, “We’re not just excited because he’s our father and leader—we’re excited because we can feel the impact of his leadership. Lagosians are happy, and we are firmly behind him.”
