Lagos Government Denies Rift Between Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu, Calls Claims Unfounded
The Lagos State Government has firmly dismissed recent reports suggesting a rift between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu, labeling such claims as unfounded speculation. In an interview on Channels Television's Morning Brief, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso addressed the issue directly, stating there is no evidence of any strained relationship between the two leaders.
Father-Son Relationship Emphasized
Omotoso likened the relationship between Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu to that of a father and son, asserting that Tinubu has not expressed any dissatisfaction with the governor. He attributed the rumors to "imaginary things that people imagine" and emphasized that the ongoing collaboration between the state and federal governments contradicts such narratives.
Evidence of Healthy Working Ties
The commissioner highlighted President Tinubu's continued visits to Lagos and his engagement with projects initiated under Sanwo-Olu's administration as proof of a robust working relationship. "No president would visit or engage closely with a state governor if there were underlying issues," Omotoso argued, pointing to these interactions as tangible demonstrations of mutual respect and cooperation.
Political Succession and Governance Priorities
Addressing political succession ahead of the end of Sanwo-Olu's tenure on May 29, 2027, Omotoso clarified that official discussions about a successor have not yet begun. He dismissed circulating rumors about endorsements, noting that such matters will be addressed in due course. Instead, he redirected focus to the state's governance efforts, including significant infrastructure development projects.
Infrastructure Development and Cost Justification
Among the highlighted projects is the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, which has reportedly cost approximately ₦279 billion. Defending this expenditure, Omotoso explained that the scale and features of the bridge justify the investment. The project includes:
- Over five kilometres of roadway
- Significant bridge sections
- Adjoining roads
- Multiple underpasses
He emphasized that "good things are expensive" and reiterated the government's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure for Lagos residents.
Call to Disregard Unverified Claims
The state government maintained that governance and development remain its top priorities, urging the public to disregard unverified claims about political disagreements. Omotoso stressed that such distractions do not align with the administration's focus on progress and service delivery.
