The Lagos State Government has strongly refuted a report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was asked to resign due to health reasons. The government described the claim as entirely baseless and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Official Statement from the Governor's Office
In a statement released on Monday, the Governor's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, categorically denied the report. He stated: 'This report is false in its entirety. Nobody has asked the Lagos Governor to resign—this is another fake news, which has become a pattern of Sahara Reporters. Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties as Governor of Lagos State.'
Background of the Allegations
The report had claimed that pressure was mounting on Governor Sanwo-Olu to step down on health grounds. However, the government clarified that the governor had earlier received his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, during a routine meeting. 'Earlier today, the Governor received Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who paid him a courtesy visit to formally notify him of his intention to contest for Governor. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, as is customary,' the statement added.
Government's Response to Misinformation
Akosile emphasized that the clarification was necessary to counter what he described as deliberate misinformation and to reassure residents of the state. 'While Sahara Reporters has a track record of publishing disinformation, we are issuing this clarification to prevent the public from being misled by deliberate falsehoods. We would ordinarily ignore such baseless reports, but the need to reassure Lagosians makes this response necessary. We advise the public to disregard the Sahara Reporters story and treat it as fake news,' he said.
The Lagos State Government urged citizens to remain calm and ignore the unfounded allegations, reaffirming that Governor Sanwo-Olu remains fully committed to his duties and the development of the state.
