Drama in Lagos: Sanwo-Olu Missing As Tinubu Launches Multibillion-Naira Seaport Access Road

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was conspicuously absent on Thursday during the official flag-off of the Lagos Deep Seaport access road reconstruction in the Epe-Ijebu Ode axis, an event presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

Despite the significance of the project to Lagos, Sanwo-Olu’s seat—clearly marked—remained empty. His deputy, Femi Hamzat, attended in his place and was seen sitting behind the governor’s designated spot. Other notable figures in attendance included Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and several top dignitaries.

While addressing attendees, President Tinubu directed his remarks to Deputy Governor Hamzat, bypassing any mention of Sanwo-Olu. He used the platform to warn state governors against granting unauthorized planning approvals, especially those affecting road setbacks and maritime zones.

“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together,” Tinubu urged. “Do not issue planning approvals without consulting the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Works. I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos is here—take it that we will revoke all approvals encroaching on setbacks or unauthorized islands. We are serious about this.”

So far, no official explanation has been provided by the Lagos State Government regarding Sanwo-Olu’s absence.

This development follows closely on the heels of another awkward public moment: during the recent commissioning of the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, President Tinubu appeared to snub Sanwo-Olu. At that event, Tinubu exchanged greetings with other dignitaries, including former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Governors Zulum, Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Bassey Otu (Cross River). But when he reached Sanwo-Olu in the lineup, he bypassed him and greeted Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi instead.

These incidents have fueled speculation of a rift between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, possibly linked to the botched attempt to impeach Lagos House Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, a known Tinubu ally.