■Governor’s alleged ties with controversial figure fuel tensions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strained relationship with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appears to be worsening, with the President choosing to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr in Abuja rather than Lagos—an unusual move interpreted by insiders as a deliberate snub.
Sources close to the Presidency point to multiple issues fueling the tension, notably Governor Sanwo-Olu’s reported association with Aisha Sulaiman-Achimugu. The businesswoman made headlines last year for hosting an opulent birthday party abroad, which drew the President’s attention due to the media controversy it generated. The event and her perceived influence over the Governor reportedly unsettled Tinubu.
According to political insiders, the President was alarmed by claims that Achimugu had become a powerful figure in Lagos politics, allegedly swaying decisions and influencing the allocation of state favors. These concerns reportedly contributed to a petition filed against her, leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring her wanted last week for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
“What upset the President most,” said one source, “was the idea that the Governor could be under the influence of a woman in such sensitive matters—something Tinubu strongly disapproves of.”
Further complicating matters are allegations—so far unproven—that Aisha Achimugu acted as an intermediary in transferring funds from Sanwo-Olu to Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign. Though both Atiku’s media team and the EFCC have denied any connection between the investigation and either Sanwo-Olu or Atiku, the whispers have added to the political unease.
The President is also reportedly unsettled by the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos, where he lost to Labour Party’s Peter Obi. Insiders claim Tinubu was dismayed that while Sanwo-Olu secured a decisive victory in the subsequent gubernatorial election, he allegedly did not exert the same effort in supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid.
Although Governor Sanwo-Olu was believed to have contributed significant resources to the APC’s campaign, questions about his loyalty have lingered. Tinubu’s allies are said to view this perceived lack of commitment as a serious breach.
Adding to the friction was a high-profile power tussle between Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. During the confrontation, Tinubu reportedly sided with Obasa and, in a heated phone call, even suggested that Sanwo-Olu should consider resigning. The gravity of the situation reportedly prompted the Governor to seek intervention from APC elders such as Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Segun Osoba.
Sources also revealed that Tinubu had originally planned to travel to Paris via Lagos after the Eid celebrations. However, in a telling shift, he departed from Abuja instead—an apparent sign of his continued displeasure with the Lagos Governor.
“This avoidance speaks volumes,” said one Aso Villa insider. “Even the advance team had been preparing for a Lagos departure, only for plans to abruptly change.”
Speculation has persisted about Sanwo-Olu’s alleged covert support for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 election. While no concrete evidence has been presented and Atiku has denied any such collaboration, political narratives—especially those shared by influential insiders—often carry weight in the court of public opinion.
The deepening rift has prompted questions about Governor Sanwo-Olu’s political future. While he has remained publicly silent on the matter, observers believe his next steps will determine whether he retains standing within the APC or faces political marginalization.
As for Aisha Achimugu, reports suggest she may have left the country ahead of her official indictment, raising further questions about the scope and timing of the EFCC’s investigation.
●Source: Empowered Newswire
