President Bola Tinubu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, have stepped in to mediate the discord between Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
The duo were summoned on Tuesday to a meeting at Ikoyi, the official residence of the President. The meeting, which included Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, state APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, prominent APC chieftains, and GAC members, was preceded by a gathering at Lagos House, Marina, before the delegation proceeded to Ikoyi for the crucial reconciliation effort.
Obasa was seen driving himself in a black sports utility vehicle (SUV) to the Lagos House, Marina, apparently to join the Governor and the GAC convoy. Upon learning the convoy had already departed, he promptly sped off to meet the group in Ikoyi.
A source confirmed that the closed-door meeting at Ikoyi lasted several hours. During the session, Tinubu and the GAC, led by Chairman Pa Tajudeen Olusi, brokered a truce between Sanwo-Olu and Obasa to restore peace and political stability in the state.
According to insiders, the meeting provided an opportunity for members of the GAC, as well as Sanwo-Olu and Obasa, to voice their concerns before Tinubu addressed the gathering. The President expressed his displeasure with Obasa’s actions and called for a way forward, cautioning against statements that could jeopardize party unity or tarnish its image.
Obasa was reportedly accused of making comments that could sow discord within the party, particularly concerning his perceived gubernatorial ambitions for 2027.
It will be recalled that Tinubu had earlier issued a stern warning to the Speaker over allegations of disrespect towards Governor Sanwo-Olu and the office he occupies. This admonition followed a weekend meeting between Tinubu and the GAC leadership at Lagos House. During that meeting, Olusi briefed the President on concerns regarding Obasa’s perceived disregard for the governor’s authority.
Reports from the earlier meeting indicate that Olusi opened the discussion by citing several instances where Obasa allegedly undermined the governor, describing such actions as unacceptable and detrimental to Lagos’ political stability. He emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for the office of the governor, referencing how the position was upheld during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos governor between 1999 and 2007.
In his remarks, Tinubu, visibly displeased, criticized Obasa for what he termed poor political management and a lack of respect for Governor Sanwo-Olu. The President specifically referred to a recent attempt by the Assembly, under Obasa’s leadership, to push for a bill enabling the removal of the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), describing it as “a huge joke.”
Tinubu underscored the need for cohesion and a harmonious working relationship within the Lagos State government, warning against actions that could destabilize the administration. He urged all parties involved to resolve their differences promptly and uphold the unity and stability of the APC in Lagos.