Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, Mr. Bola Babarinde, has welcomed the reconciliation between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing it as a great relief and a positive development for the party and the nation.
Babarinde, who is also the General Secretary of Renewed Hope Global, made the remarks in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos. The reconciliation follows President Tinubu’s declaration that he had forgiven Governor Sanwo-Olu, affirming that the rift between them had been resolved. Tinubu’s comments came during a closed-door meeting with members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) last Saturday.
According to Babarinde, the earlier news of a rift between the two leaders had caused worry and sparked speculations, criticisms, and calls for punishment of an “innocent friend,” which he found deeply troubling.
“Thankfully, the recent reconciliation between President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu offers great relief,” Babarinde said. “It is a positive sign not just for Lagos but for Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. Peace in Lagos means stability for the entire nation.”
He praised President Tinubu, who is also known as Asiwaju of Yorubaland, for demonstrating wisdom, forgiveness, and political maturity by reuniting with Governor Sanwo-Olu. Babarinde described Sanwo-Olu as a loyal son who worked tirelessly to support Tinubu during the 2023 elections despite setbacks in Lagos.
Babarinde also expressed pride in Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and achievements, noting that they were friends and former schoolmates. He described the governor as humble, principled, and progressive-minded and confidently vouched for his character.
“If there were missteps, they were certainly not deliberate or intended to hurt Asiwaju Tinubu. Some accusations may have been fabricated by political enemies,” Babarinde said.
He added that he had supported Sanwo-Olu from abroad until a few years ago when the governor invited him back to contribute to his administration. Although not formally part of the government, Babarinde said he continued to back Sanwo-Olu’s leadership.
Babarinde concluded by praying for continued peace and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of Lagos State, hoping that Lagos will maintain its position as Nigeria’s number one economy and a source of pride for Africa.
