The Lagos State Government has dismissed speculation of a fallout between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, insisting that relations between both leaders remain cordial.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who spoke on Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television, described reports of tension as baseless and driven by speculation.
“How will a father say there is no future in his home? The President is a father to Mr Sanwo-Olu. Apart from that, most of things that you hear are mere speculations and imaginary things that people imagine,” he said.
Omotoso maintained that there has been no indication from the President suggesting dissatisfaction with the Lagos governor, noting that Tinubu’s continued engagements with the state government reflect a healthy working relationship.
“The President has not told anybody that he is not pleased with Mr Sanwo-Olu. If he is not pleased with Mr Sanwo-Olu, he will not be coming to say that Mr Sanwo-Olu should host him for him to be seeing all of the things that he conceived in those days,” he stated.
He argued that presidential visits to states often signal mutual cooperation, adding that “no President would visit a state if he is not happy with the state governor.”
On political succession ahead of the 2027 elections, the commissioner said discussions about a successor to Sanwo-Olu have not commenced, dismissing circulating claims as premature.
“That is not even being discussed as far as I am concerned. Of course, social media rumours, speculations all over the place. The question of succession would be discussed,” he said.
Omotoso also defended the cost of the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, reportedly valued at N279 billion, describing the project as a major infrastructure investment justified by its scale and features.
“Have you seen the bridge? It is not anywhere, not everywhere in Nigeria that you can find this kind of bridge that has 5.04 kilometres with roads, about 2.80 part of it is bridged,” he said.
“For you to have all of these facilities in one place, it must cost a fortune,” he added.
