Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu has dismissed speculation of a strained relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, restating that their partnership reflects that of a father and son working in harmony.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Sanwo‑Olu labelled the suggestions of a rift as baseless, calling them part of political distractions. He affirmed that Tinubu remains both his political godfather and key mentor, noting Tinubu’s continuous guidance on Lagos’s development agenda .
The governor also referred to previous interventions by Tinubu during political upheavals—such as the Lagos Assembly crisis involving the removal and reinstatement of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa—as clear proof of their close collaboration. He emphasised that the President’s input offers stability rather than interference .
Setting the record straight, Sanwo‑Olu said, “We have infrastructural deficits across sectors that we need private capital to fund… Our Father in President Tinubu is guiding every step of the way” . He added that their relationship is rooted in mutual respect and shared vision for Lagos’s growth.
Analysts note that this public response follows a series of high-level meetings—summoned by Tinubu through the APC’s Governance Advisory Council—to reconcile state officials during internal conflicts. These events reinforced the perception of Tinubu’s role as an arbiter and steadfast ally to the governor .
By affirming their “father‑and‑son” dynamic, Sanwo‑Olu seeks to quell politically-driven narratives and reassure Lagosians that government directives are coordinated, with Tinubu’s influence bolstering rather than undermining state authority.
