Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the undisputed political leader of Lagos State, dismissing suggestions that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu controls the state’s political structure.
Fayose made the remarks while commenting on recent political developments, including the leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly and the crisis in Rivers State.
According to him, President Tinubu exercises firm control over Lagos politics and does not tolerate acts he considers ungrateful or disrespectful.
“The president that I know hates ingratitude. He controls Lagos politics from the palm of his hands,” Fayose said.
He cited the recent removal and reinstatement of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, as evidence of Tinubu’s influence.
“When Speaker Obasa was removed and someone else took over, President Tinubu, without saying a word, caused the system to restore Obasa as speaker because it was an affront to him as the leader in Lagos,” he stated.
Fayose questioned claims that Governor Sanwo-Olu is the political leader of the state, daring him to publicly assert such authority.
“Will you tell me that Sanwo-Olu is the leader of Lagos? Let him announce it, and let’s hear him,” he said.
The former governor also warned politicians involved in the Rivers State political crisis, suggesting that allies of Governor Siminalayi Fubara would abandon him if the situation deteriorates.
“If Governor Fubara goes down today, those leading him on will run away,” Fayose added.
His comments have sparked renewed debate about political power structures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in Lagos State, widely regarded as the political base of President Tinubu.
