Sanwo-Olu Allegedly Asked to Resign on Health Grounds as Hamzat Emerges in Reported Succession Plan

Lagos may be heading toward a major political transition, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu allegedly under pressure to resign on health grounds, according to an exclusive report by Sahara Reporters.

According to the report, sources within the Presidency claimed a succession arrangement is being considered that would see Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat assume office and complete the current administration’s tenure. If implemented, the move could also position Hamzat as a leading contender ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“The emerging arrangement would see Sanwo-Olu resign, paving the way for his deputy to assume office and complete the remainder of the tenure,” a Presidency source was quoted as saying.

The report alleged the move is tied not only to health concerns but also to growing political tensions between Governor Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Sources reportedly told Sahara Reporters that dissatisfaction has been building within influential political circles over the governor’s leadership and alleged efforts to strengthen an independent power base in Lagos.

“The Presidency, President Bola Tinubu and key figures in his inner circle are reportedly dissatisfied with the current leadership in Lagos and have moved to initiate a transition plan,” another source said.

While there has been no official confirmation from the Lagos State Government or the Presidency, the development, if carried through, could trigger one of the most significant political shifts in Lagos in recent years.

The alleged strain between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu has been shaped by a series of political disputes, including the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly. The report revisited Tinubu’s intervention in the reinstatement of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa following his impeachment in 2025.

“At the meeting, President Tinubu explained that the reason why Obasa escaped impeachment was because he saw the indelible fingerprints of the Lagos executive led by Sanwo-Olu in the Speaker’s removal,” a source familiar with the meeting reportedly said.

The report also linked worsening tensions to allegations surrounding disputed land allocations in Banana Island and an anti-graft probe involving businesswoman Aisha Achimugu, an associate of the governor. Both matters were cited by Sahara Reporters as part of a broader pattern of friction between the governor and the Presidency.

One source was quoted as saying, “Tinubu got upset with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over illegal land allocation at Banana Island… Sanwo-Olu, they reported, also sold Tinubu’s land at Banana Island.”

Separately, Sahara Reporters referenced intelligence claims and investigations allegedly suggesting political and financial concerns within federal circles. Some analysts cited in the report interpreted those developments as signs the Presidency could be distancing itself from the governor.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was also quoted in the report rejecting related allegations, calling claims he received funds linked to Sanwo-Olu “a blatant lie from the pit of hell.”