Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu firmly dispelled speculations of a rift with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing their relationship as a “father-and-son affair” rooted in mutual respect and shared vision.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu responded to a viral video from the May 31, 2025, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway inauguration, where Tinubu appeared to bypass him during a handshake with other governors. The footage sparked online debates, with some interpreting it as a deliberate snub linked to political tensions, including the controversial impeachment saga involving former Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Sanwo-Olu, however, clarified that the moment was an oversight, emphasizing his deep loyalty to Tinubu, his political mentor and former Lagos governor.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted their frequent collaborations, including recent meetings with the Governance Advisory Council and Tinubu’s support for Lagos’s infrastructure projects, such as the Red Line rail. He dismissed detractors’ attempts to sow discord, noting cultural nuances in Yoruba greetings, where bowing signifies respect, as seen in the video.
The governor’s aides pointed to his consistent advocacy for Tinubu, including during the 2023 presidential campaign at the Ojude Oba Festival, as evidence of their unbreakable bond. The clarification has quelled much of the speculation, with APC leaders in Lagos rallying behind Sanwo-Olu’s leadership. The episode underscores the intense scrutiny of Nigeria’s political dynamics, particularly in Lagos, where Tinubu’s influence remains paramount, shaping the state’s governance and electoral strategies.