President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly declared that he has forgiven Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and that any anger or grievances between them have been fully resolved. In a statement that signifies reconciliation, President Tinubu declared, “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.”
This heartfelt declaration of forgiveness reportedly occurred during a private meeting held with members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), which is headed by chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi. The meeting was convened at the President’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, and took place as part of an Eid-el-Kabir homage visit, symbolizing goodwill and peace during the festive period.
Although President Tinubu did not publicly discuss the root causes of the earlier rift between him and Governor Sanwo-Olu, his warm reception of the delegation’s plea for forgiveness signaled a genuine desire to move past prior misunderstandings. The atmosphere was reportedly one of humility and respect, with the focus on healing and restoring cordial relations.
A source familiar with the meeting shared insights into the nature of the discussions, saying:
“The meeting didn’t entertain a situation where the president or the governor had to start explaining what happened between them. They just pleaded for outright mercy on behalf of the governor, and the president granted it.”
Further reports from the closed-door session revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other prominent Lagos State politicians showed deep remorse and respect by prostrating before the president. This traditional gesture symbolized submission and a sincere apology, underscoring the importance of reconciliation at this high political level.
Among those present at the meeting were key figures including Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Senators Tokunbo Abiru and Ganiyu Solomon; as well as party elder Cardinal James Odunmbaku. Their presence highlighted the significance of the occasion and the collective desire within the political establishment to restore unity.
During the meeting, Prince Tajudeen Olusi addressed President Tinubu directly, acknowledging the visible tension that had existed between the president and some Lagos political leaders, particularly Governor Sanwo-Olu. Olusi appealed for peace, understanding, and cooperation moving forward, emphasizing the need to focus on the development and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
In response, President Tinubu reiterated his message of forgiveness with the simple but powerful words:
“It’s all over now. All is forgiven.”
This development puts to rest weeks of public speculation about the state of their relationship. The rumors had intensified following a viral video that circulated in May, showing a moment at the inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway where President Tinubu appeared to deliberately bypass Governor Sanwo-Olu, greeting other dignitaries while seemingly ignoring the Lagos State governor.
The incident had sparked widespread commentary about a possible rift between the two leaders, raising questions about the political dynamics within Lagos and the ruling party. However, the recent reconciliation meeting demonstrates a mutual commitment to put aside differences and work together in the best interest of the people they serve.
As Nigeria continues to celebrate its Eid festivities, this gesture of forgiveness between President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu serves as a hopeful sign of unity and political maturity in the country’s leadership.[/p>