Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Alleged Rift with Tinubu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has dismissed reports of a rift between him and President Bola Tinubu, describing their relationship as a close-knit “father-and-son affair.” The governor made this known on Sunday, June 8, 2025, after a meeting with the president at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu was joined at the meeting by members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. The visit came amid growing speculation about tensions between the governor and the president, particularly following the controversial removal and subsequent reinstatement of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

The speculation intensified earlier this month when Sanwo-Olu was noticeably absent during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the deep seaport access road in the Epe-Ijebu Ode axis. Social media was also abuzz when Tinubu appeared to ignore the governor during the inauguration of a major section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Addressing the media after Sunday’s meeting, Sanwo-Olu dismissed the rumours, stating, “There is none. There are people Catholic than the Pope; they cry more than the bereaved. Father and son (affairs) are things that we always ensure that we clear. There is nothing at all.”

He reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for the president, saying, “He is my father and my leader, and we are grateful that he has given us the audience to say hello to him today.”

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker Obasa and his deputy Mojisola Meranda, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other influential figures in Lagos politics.