The mending of political fences between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been warmly welcomed by a prominent figure in the APC diaspora community, who says the development bodes well for both Lagos and the nation at large.
Bola Babarinde, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, described the reconciliation as “a beacon of hope” following what he termed “deeply troubling” speculation surrounding their relationship.
The President reportedly forgave Governor Sanwo-Olu during a private meeting with the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council last Saturday, putting to rest rumours of a serious rift.
Speaking in a statement shared with the News Agency of Nigeria, Babarinde praised the move as a display of statesmanship. “The president has once again shown political wisdom and emotional intelligence. Forgiveness in leadership is a rare but powerful quality,” he noted.
He emphasised that peace in Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial hub — has wider implications for the country’s political and economic stability. “Lagos is not just any state; it sets the pace for Nigeria’s development. Unity at the helm is crucial for sustained progress.”
Babarinde, now General Secretary of the Renewed Hope Global platform, also shared personal admiration for Sanwo-Olu, who he described as a principled and capable leader. He added that while he had never served formally in the governor’s administration, he had supported it from abroad and continued to do so.
“Sanwo-Olu is not only a competent administrator but also a loyal ally. Any perceived missteps were likely exploited by political adversaries rather than originating from ill intent,” he said.
He concluded by calling for ongoing harmony between the state’s branches of government and expressed hope that Lagos would continue to serve as an economic model for the African continent.
