LAGOS — President Bola Tinubu on Sunday put to rest speculations about a strained relationship between him and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declaring that all issues have been resolved. “It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” he said, signaling a restoration of cordial ties.

Rumors of a rift between the president and the governor had gained traction on social media, particularly after a notable incident in May. During the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Tinubu appeared to overlook Sanwo-Olu in a widely circulated video, shaking hands with several dignitaries but seemingly bypassing the Lagos governor.

However, in a significant turn of events, Tinubu received Sanwo-Olu, along with the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), who paid him a Sallah (Eid-el-Kabir) homage at his Ikoyi residence. The delegation was led by GAC Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

Also in attendance were Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; APC Lagos Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; and Cardinal James Odunmbaku, among others.

During the visit, Olusi acknowledged concerns that the president had been displeased with certain figures in the state, including the governor, and appealed for forgiveness. Tinubu responded by assuring the delegation that he held no grudges, reaffirming that the matter was resolved.

Sources close to the meeting revealed that Sanwo-Olu and other GAC members prostrated before the president in a gesture of humility and reconciliation. One insider noted that the meeting focused on seeking and receiving forgiveness, rather than recounting past grievances.

Sanwo-Olu: We Came to Extend Festive Greetings

After the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu told reporters, “As is tradition during festive seasons, the GAC and APC leaders in Lagos always visit Mr. President to celebrate with him. We came to express our support and to let him know that Lagosians stand firmly behind him.”

He added, “We feel the impact of his leadership in the past two years and remain committed to supporting him in all his efforts. He is our father and leader, and we are proud of him.”

Ooni of Ife Praises Tinubu’s Leadership

In a separate visit, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also paid homage to the president in Lagos, lauding Tinubu’s global engagement efforts and backing his administration’s proposed restructuring of the Forest Guard system.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting, the monarch said, “I came to wish the president a happy Salah and commend him for the progress Nigeria is making. Countries are now eager to collaborate with us due to the positive direction he’s steering the nation.”

He highlighted recent economic reforms, such as the unification of exchange rates, as a sign of growing investor confidence and a break from past arbitrage practices.

On security, the Ooni expressed strong support for the forest guard initiative, stating, “This new structure, along with increased police presence in forested areas, will strengthen national security and encourage greater investment.”