Tinubu sends message to Sanwo-Olu amid ongoing rift

President Bola Tinubu has declared that he has forgiven Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying, “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.”

The reconciliation happened on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Tinubu’s Queens Drive residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, where Governor Sanwo-Olu and members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) visited him to seek peace.

During the meeting, Sanwo-Olu prostrated before the president, lying face down in the Yoruba cultural manner of showing deep apology and respect.

Sources at the gathering said the governor’s gesture was his way of asking Tinubu for forgiveness after months of strained relations.

The closed-door discussion was aimed at resolving the fallout between both men, which began after Sanwo-Olu’s political moves earlier in the year.

In January, Sanwo-Olu reportedly used the president’s name to influence lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly in a failed attempt to remove Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Although the plan worked temporarily, Obasa was eventually reinstated.

The move reportedly angered Tinubu, especially after it emerged that Sanwo-Olu had also been linked to the controversial socialite Aisha Achimugu.

Funds allegedly traced to the governor and Achimugu were said to have reached opposition figures, sparking more concern in Tinubu’s camp.

Tensions between the president and the governor became more visible in public.

At a recent event, Tinubu was seen avoiding direct interaction with Sanwo-Olu, fueling speculation that the governor could face impeachment or removal before his tenure ends in 2027.

Sanwo-Olu’s political journey is closely tied to Tinubu, who supported him to become governor in 2019 after the exit of Akinwunmi Ambode.

This background made the rift even more sensitive, with many in Tinubu’s circle reportedly disappointed with Sanwo-Olu’s actions.

In seeking reconciliation, Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by loyal APC members who also appealed to Tinubu on his behalf.

According to those present, Tinubu listened and assured the group that he had let go of any anger toward Sanwo-Olu and others involved in the disagreement.

Although details of Tinubu’s exact words were not shared, the governor’s public show of remorse was accepted, and the meeting ended with both sides agreeing to move forward.