LAGOS, Nigeria — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has dismissed suggestions of a falling out with President Bola Tinubu, describing their relationship as intact and cordial.
The comments came after Sanwo-Olu and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) visited the president at his Ikoyi residence on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
The high-level visit took place amid rising speculation over a rift between the two men, following recent public incidents that many observers interpreted as signs of tension.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Sanwo-Olu said the delegation was in Ikoyi for a routine holiday visit.
“It’s our usual festive courtesy visit,” he explained.
When pressed on whether a feud exists between him and the president, Sanwo-Olu responded: “Do you see any discord? Can’t you see that you are smiling? I’m smiling. There’s none.”
He added, “There are people who believe that they are more Catholic than the Pope. People are just crying more than the bereaved. We are grateful that he has given us an audience today.”
The meeting included prominent members of Lagos APC leadership such as Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; and former Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
Speculation over a breakdown in relations between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu was fuelled by two notable absences in the past week.
At the inauguration of Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Tinubu appeared to bypass Sanwo-Olu during greetings, choosing instead to shake hands with other dignitaries.
Days later, the Lagos governor was absent when Tinubu flagged off the reconstruction of the Lagos seaport access road, despite a seat being reserved for him.
Rumours of discord also intensified after the brief impeachment of Speaker Obasa earlier this year—a development widely perceived as evidence of internal friction within the Lagos political establishment.
Obasa has since been reinstated.
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that during the meeting, the Lagos delegation expressed satisfaction with the performance of Tinubu’s administration.
“We told Mr President that Nigerians are happy with the impact of his administration,” the governor said.
Addressing the planned protests slated for June 12, Sanwo-Olu questioned their necessity.
“What will be the basis of the protest? The economy has made a positive bend. Give this president more time,” he said.
