President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally reconciled with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, putting to rest months of strained relations that had fueled widespread speculation.
The reconciliation followed several interventions from key political figures and culminated in a visit by members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to the president on Sunday. At the gathering, which included party leaders and close associates of the president, Tinubu warmly received Sanwo-Olu and declared the rift over.
“It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” the president reportedly said, signaling a decisive end to the hostilities that had been discussed in hushed tones for months. Tinubu not only forgave Sanwo-Olu but also extended amnesty to others who had fallen out of favor with him recently.
Sources revealed that the rift, which became more apparent when Tinubu publicly snubbed the governor last week, had prompted numerous behind-the-scenes efforts to restore peace, particularly for the stability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
On Sunday, GAC members led by their Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, visited the president at his Lagos residence. Olusi opened the meeting by acknowledging the president’s dissatisfaction with developments in the state and pleaded for reconciliation. The state APC Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, also briefed the president on recent party activities, especially the outcome of the local government primary elections.
Tinubu, in response, assured those present that he had moved on and that he would accept the primary election results as submitted. At that point, Governor Sanwo-Olu and other GAC members reportedly prostrated in a traditional show of remorse and gratitude.
Sources said the meeting did not delve into the root of the dispute, as the focus remained on forgiveness and moving forward.
After the meeting, Sanwo-Olu thanked the president for the audience and dismissed rumors of a feud. “Did you see any discord? We’re smiling. There is none. People sometimes act more Catholic than the Pope,” he said.
He described the meeting as a customary courtesy visit typical of festive periods, emphasizing that the visit was meant to reaffirm loyalty, offer prayers, and express support for the president’s leadership.
During the visit, Sanwo-Olu praised the president’s support for Lagos, citing federal backing for infrastructure projects such as the Lagos Blue Line Rail. He disclosed that 12 new coaches had arrived to improve the Blue Line’s capacity and efficiency. According to him, the federal government had also provided financial support for the procurement of the trains and other related projects.
He said the support was part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and had greatly benefited Lagos, especially in tackling post-subsidy transportation needs.
Sanwo-Olu also referenced broader economic improvements, including a decline in fuel and food prices, attributing the progress to Tinubu’s reforms.
On the proposed June 12 protests, the governor dismissed the agitation as baseless, urging citizens to remain hopeful. “Give this president more time. The economy has made a positive turn,” he said.
He reiterated the GAC’s loyalty to the president and APC, affirming their commitment to ensuring peaceful and successful local government elections.
The governor concluded by unveiling new Blue Line coaches at the National Arts Theatre Station. The trains, procured by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) in partnership with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), are expected to reduce commute time and improve service efficiency. He added that more trains would arrive for the Red Line, which runs from Agbado to Ebute Metta, noting that passenger volume on that route necessitates larger train sets.
Sanwo-Olu also gave updates on the second phase of the Blue Line, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, reporting progress in track and station construction.
Key Figures Behind the Reconciliation
While many individuals made efforts to mediate the dispute, eight influential figures played especially critical roles in facilitating Sunday’s truce. These included:
- Chief Dipo Eludoyin, Tinubu’s longtime friend and chairman of Paragon Holdings, whose personal appeal was instrumental.
- Mr. Gilbert Chagoury, a close business associate and influential billionaire.
- Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, who met the president to advocate for peace.
- Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, who reportedly played a strategic behind-the-scenes role.
- Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Ogun State governor, who used his longstanding relationship with Tinubu to push for reconciliation.
- Chief Bisi Akande, former Osun State governor and respected elder statesman within the APC.
- Chief James Ibori, former Delta State governor, whose quiet intervention reflected his closeness to the president.
- Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Lagos governor, who leveraged his longstanding bond with Tinubu to mend fences.
These individuals, through persistent and private efforts, helped soften the president’s stance and bring about a resolution.
GAC members were also pivotal in the process, enduring considerable strain in the pursuit of peace. Their collective effort has now restored unity within the Lagos APC, with expectations that the state’s political atmosphere will stabilize going forward.
Nzubechukwu Eze
