Lagos Govt Denies Rift Between Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu

The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports suggesting a strained relationship between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu, describing the claims as unfounded speculation.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, aired on Channels Television, insisting that the relationship between both leaders remains cordial.

Omotoso said there was no basis for reports alleging a frosty relationship, stressing that such claims were driven by speculation.

“How will a father say there is no future in his home? The President is a father to Mr Sanwo-Olu. Most of what you hear are mere speculations and imaginary things,” he said.

He added that the President has not expressed any dissatisfaction with the Lagos governor.

“The President has not told anybody that he is not pleased with Mr Sanwo-Olu. If he were displeased, he would not be visiting Lagos to engage with projects initiated by the state government,” Omotoso stated.

According to him, President Tinubu’s frequent visits to Lagos further demonstrate a healthy working relationship with the state administration, noting that as Commander-in-Chief, the President is free to visit any part of the country.

The commissioner also addressed speculation surrounding political succession in Lagos State as Sanwo-Olu’s second term is expected to end on May 29, 2027, saying no formal discussions have been held on the matter.

“That is not even being discussed as far as I am concerned. Social media is full of rumours and speculation. The question of succession will be discussed at the appropriate time,” he said.

Omotoso further defended the cost of the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge project, valued at about ₦279 billion, executed by the Sanwo-Olu administration.

He explained that the scale and engineering complexity of the project justify its cost.

“Have you seen the bridge? It is not everywhere in Nigeria that you find this kind of infrastructure—about 5.04 kilometres in total length, with a significant portion elevated, multiple underpasses, and adjoining road networks,” he said.

He added that delivering such infrastructure with multiple components inevitably comes at a high financial cost.