… Sanwo-Olu denies rift with Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at his private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, in a move seen to have been made to close gap against rumoured feud and fractured relationships between them.

This came amid speculations of misunderstanding and frosty relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Sanwo-Olu’s visit to Tinubu along with the Governors’ Advisory Council (GAC) members followed that of foremost Yoruba Monarch and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

The GAC is widely recognised as the apex decision-making organ of the APC in Lagos, wielding significant influence over the State’s political direction and governance.

But speaking with Journalists after the closed door meeting that spanned some hours, Governor Sanwo-Olu dismissed reports of rift with President Tinubu, describing the speculation in the media as “people crying more than the bereaved”.

Read also: Sanwo-Olu absent as Tinubu launches deep seaport access road

The governor described the reports of such rifts as “baseless and misleading.”

“Do you see any discord? Can’t you see when you are smiling, I’m smiling? There’s none (feud). He’s my father, he’s my leader.”

He insisted that the Ikoyi meeting was a traditional courtesy visit by the GAC, a long-standing practice during festive periods.

“It’s our usual. You know, festive period Council visits and a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers, leaders of our party… It’s something that they always look forward to.”

The governor emphasised that the visit was also an opportunity to pray with the President, offer well wishes and continued support, while acknowledging the impact of Tinubu’s leadership over the past two years.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted key achievements attributed to the President’s backing, including the unveiling of new Blue Line trains in Lagos, supported by federal interventions, and a reduction in fuel and food prices.

He also addressed the upcoming June 12 protests being planned by some groups, describing their reasons for the planned protests as ” baseless and without foundation”.

“What will be the basis of the protest? The economy has made a positive bend. Give this President more time”, he appealed to planners of propsed June 12 protest.

He concluded by reaffirming his loyalty and that of the GAC to the President and the APC party, stressing their commitment to a united front ahead of the Local Government elections.

The socio-political development seems to have laid to rest, months of speculation of perceived feud between President Tinubu and his long time political protege

Governor Sanwo-Olu had trended in the media fueling speculations of a love lost between the two leaders from the Southwest.

Specifically, Sanwo-Olu was alleged to have attempted to alter the political structure built over time in Lagos State by moving against a key ally of Presidenet Tinubu, leading to a rift and subsequent sidelining of Sanwo-Olu in party affairs.

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