Despite Sanwo-Olu’s advisers’ continuous assertion that the rosy relationship between the Lagos State Governor and his political godfather, President Bola Tinubu, has not soured as reported, there is a possibility that the duo have not fully settled their differences, WITHIN NIGERIA gathered.
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier demanded for records on questionable land allocations in Lagos.
According to reliable sources, the land issue is said to have reignited talks in some quarters about a possible resurgence of disagreement or misunderstanding between the Governor and his political godfather.
On Tuesday, April 7, Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, dismissed reports of a rift between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu.
He described it as “mere speculation” and “imaginary thing that people imagine, likening the relationship between the two leaders to that of a father and son.
According to Omotoso, Tinubu has not expressed any dissatisfaction with Sanwo-Olu.
He noted that the president’s visits to Lagos demonstrate a healthy working relationship between the duo.
He also addressed questions about the political succession in Lagos State, saying that discussions on a successor have not officially begun, and that such matters would be addressed in due course.
Issues?
Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s in his second term has been accused of being involved in scandals. Several allegations, yet to be substantiated have been leveled against him but here are the most controversial ones;
Alleged involvement of Aisha Achimugu, in money laundering and funding opposition parties
Aisha Achimugu, an associate of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been proclaimed sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on suspicions of money laundering and criminal conspiracy.
She was also accused of sending funds to opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2023 elections, which allegedly enraged President Bola Tinubu and harmed his relationship with Sanwo-Olu.
The EFCC investigation indicated that Achimugu’s financial actions raised concerns, with huge funds tracked back to Obi and Abubakar following the 2023 election.
Some allies of Tinubu expressed concerns over it, raising questions about Sanwo-Olu’s political loyalties, describing it as a severe act of political betrayal.
The EFCC eventually ordered the forfeiture of $13 million linked to Achimugu’s firm, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd., cited proceeds of illicit activity. Achimugu denied ownership of some cash, stating they were bank loans.
Accusation of illegal land allocation of 96 hectares at Banana Island
President Bola Tinubu allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with the allotment of 96 hectares of property on Banana Island to developers connected to him and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
This reportedly prompted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate an alleged land racketeering and money laundering conspiracy involving the Lagos State Government and certain federal officials.
The anti-graft agency, while investigating the matter identified 14 firms engaged in the scheme, including Banana Island Higherend Castle Limited, which received the 96 hectares.
According to investigation, corporations involved include Walaris Nigeria Limited, which purchased 572.735 hectares of land near Lagos Lagoon, and Tafba Nigeria Limited, which obtained five hectares plus an extra 55.8 hectares in the same region.
However, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the removal of unlawful constructions on Banana Island and warning against unapproved dredging.
Claims of Sanwo-Olu’s handling of the Lagos assembly crisis
There are allegations that the governor’s handling of the crisis has been criticized by numerous political stakeholders.
The impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was viewed as an attempt to exert undue influence over the legislative branch.
Obasa sued the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and the Lagos State House of Assembly, claiming unconstitutional removal. As of the time of filing this article, the court has yet to rule on the matter.
2025 Local Government Administration Law
The Assembly opposes Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s proposal to postpone the implementation of the 2025 Local Government Administration Law, citing executive power abuse.
Details of the 2025 administration law include succession, disqualification, and local government tenure, which the Assembly wanted implemented to allow new faces in the state’s local administration, but the Governor demanded a delay, infuriating some Assembly members, including Speaker Obasa.
