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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was noticeably absent on Thursday during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the Epe-Ijebu-Ode deep-seaport access road, a strategic infrastructure project commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos State.
The event, which drew several high-profile dignitaries—including Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat—proceeded without any formal explanation for Sanwo-Olu’s absence. Eyewitnesses noted that a seat clearly marked for the Lagos governor remained empty, with Deputy Governor Hamzat sitting behind it throughout the ceremony, according to a report by The Cable.During his speech, President Tinubu pointedly addressed his remarks to Deputy Governor Hamzat, signaling the Lagos government’s representation at the event but omitting any direct mention of Sanwo-Olu. The President used the platform to issue a stern warning to state governors about unregulated urban development along federal infrastructure corridors.
“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Works,” Tinubu said.
“I’m glad the Deputy Governor of Lagos State is here. Take it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks. And please note that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.”
Signs of a Strained Relationship?
Thursday’s development adds fuel to speculation about a growing rift between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, a governor long seen as a close political ally of the President. Notably, Sanwo-Olu was also snubbed by Tinubu during the recent commissioning of Phase 1, Section 1 (30km) of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway an event that featured several state governors and top political leaders.
At that event, Tinubu shook hands with the attending dignitaries, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, and Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Ahmed Ododo (Kogi). However, when he approached Sanwo-Olu, the President bypassed him and instead greeted Ododo, who stood next in line.
Context: Political Undercurrents in Lagos
While the Lagos State Government has yet to release an official explanation for Sanwo-Olu’s absence from Thursday’s ceremony, political analysts suggest that the ongoing tension may be linked to internal disputes within Lagos politics. In particular, attention has turned to the failed attempt to impeach Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa a move believed to have lacked the President’s support and which may have caused friction between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu’s political camps.
As of press time, there has been no public comment from either Sanwo-Olu or the Presidency on the perceived tension or the governor’s repeated absence from major federal events in Lagos.
