Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu was conspicuously absent on Thursday during President Bola Tinubu’s official flag-off of a major road reconstruction project in the Epe, Ijebu-Ode area.
While many high-profile officials attended, including Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, a seat clearly marked for Sanwo-Olu remained empty, with Hamzat seated behind it.
When President Tinubu addressed the gathering, he directed his comments to the deputy governor, rather than acknowledging the absent governor.
Read Also: Tinubu Snubs Governor Sanwo-Olu At Inauguration Of Lagos-Calabar Expressway Phase 1 [VIDEO]
During his speech, the President specifically instructed state governors to cease approving building plans for illegal islands and developments that encroach on road and waterway setbacks.
“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and the Ministry of Works on these roads,” the President urged.
He then directly addressed Hamzat: “I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos state is here. Take it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks, and please note that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.”
The Lagos government has not yet provided an official explanation for Sanwo-Olu’s absence, but speculation suggests it may be linked to reported tensions between him and the President.
This comes after President Tinubu publicly overlooked Sanwo-Olu at another event just last Saturday—the opening of a section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
During that event, as Tinubu greeted officials, he notably skipped Sanwo-Olu, moving directly to shake hands with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who stood next to him.
Observers are speculating that the two politicians have fallen out over the situation involving Mudashiru Obasa, the former Lagos Assembly Speaker.
Obasa was removed from his position by a majority of lawmakers in February due to accusations of financial misconduct but reportedly regained his job after 49 days, allegedly following President Tinubu’s intervention.
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