Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was noticeably absent on Thursday when President Bola Tinubu officially launched the reconstruction of a major road linking Epe and Ijebu-Ode.
The high-profile event drew several prominent figures, including Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
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According to The Cable, a seat bearing Sanwo-Olu’s name was reserved at the venue, but the governor failed to appear. Instead, Hamzat occupied a spot behind the vacant seat.
President Tinubu did not acknowledge Sanwo-Olu’s absence during his speech, choosing instead to address his remarks to Hamzat.
He also issued a warning to state governors, urging them to stop granting planning approvals for illegal developments near roads and waterways.
“Let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without consulting the surveyor-general of the federation and the Ministry of Works,” Tinubu said.
“I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos State is here. Take it that we will revoke all approvals given for developments on setbacks. We are serious. No more unapproved islands.”
As of now, the Lagos State Government has not given a reason for Sanwo-Olu’s absence.
However, the incident comes just days after another public moment sparked speculation of friction between the governor and the president.
At a separate event last Saturday to commission a section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, Tinubu appeared to deliberately snub Sanwo-Olu.
The president greeted a line of dignitaries—including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Governors Zulum, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Bassey Otu of Cross River—but walked past Sanwo-Olu without acknowledgment, going directly to shake hands with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who stood next to him.
Observers believe the tension may be linked to the political drama surrounding Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
In February, Obasa was removed by a majority of lawmakers over alleged financial misconduct. However, he was reinstated after 49 days—reportedly due to President Tinubu’s intervention, which may not have aligned with Sanwo-Olu’s stance.
