By Abimbola Tooki
In the mysterious theatre of
Nigerian political drama is never in short supply. Sometimes, the plot twists
are so intricate, even the lead actors don’t see them coming until it’s too
late.
One such play is currently
unfolding in Lagos State, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, once regarded as the
archetype of loyalty, finds himself at odds with his political godfather,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
To many who have observed the
long-standing mentor-mentee relationship between the Governor and the
President, this fallout feels like betrayal, not necessarily by Mr. Governor
himself, but by unseen hands who sold him a dummy and pushed him onto a path of
subtle but consequential rebellion.
How did we get here? To decode
the situation, let us journey through a traditional parable, the story of the
tortoise and the elephant, which, though fictional, offers a deep allegory for
today’s political missteps.
The Tortoise and the Elephant: A Cautionary Tale
Once upon a time in the animal
kingdom, Tortoise — crafty, cunning, and calculating — sought to create space
for his own relevance. He approached Elephant, powerful and respected but often
slow to doubt those around him.
Tortoise whispered, “Why do you
always walk behind the Lion? You are bigger, more majestic, more intelligent.
Take your place. Lead your own charge. You owe no one your strength.”
The Elephant, flattered and
encouraged, began to assert himself. He changed his walk. He altered his roar.
He ignored the Lion’s counsel, believing he had finally come of age.
But unknown to him, Tortoise had
no love for him. Tortoise merely wanted to destabilize the balance of the
kingdom, and in the chaos that would follow, carve a path for himself.
Eventually, the Lion, watching
with sadness but resolve, withdrew his protection. Elephant, left exposed and
unsure of his new allies, found himself surrounded by enemies he did not even
know he had.
A Reflection of Today’s Reality in Lagos
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu did
not emerge as Governor in a vacuum. He was not a product of rebellion or
political luck. He was chosen and anointed by the President himself, the
powerful Lion of Bourdillon.
Mr. Governor rose not just on
merit, but on the back of long-standing loyalty, trust, and fidelity to a
system that was carefully built by his political father.
For years, he played his role
well. Quiet, dependable, and respectful. But something changed recently,
actions that have shocked even the most seasoned Lagos watchers. Moves that
have been interpreted (rightly or wrongly) as disloyalty. Decisions that
suggest defiance. Signals that hint at a growing distance between father and
son, master and mentee.
The million-naira question is:
did Mr. Governor arrive at this place on his own? Or was he handed a dummy by
schemers and opportunists who masquerade as friends?
The Dummy: A Poisoned Chalice of Political Suicide
Every politician has his circle
of advisers, aides, strategists, and sycophants. In the case of Sanwo-Olu,
someone , or some groups, sold him the idea that he no longer needed the
President. That he could begin to chart a new course. That he could defy the
old order and come out unscathed.
Perhaps they told him, “The
President is now too far in Abuja, he won’t notice.” Or maybe, “He has other
battles to fight; Lagos is yours now.” Worse still, some may have promised
secret alliances, assuring him of a new support base, a new protectorate.
But like the Elephant, Mr.
Governor forgot that the Lion may be silent, but he is never asleep. He may be
in Abuja, but his presence looms over Lagos like the sun over the Atlantic. His
network is deep. His loyalty meter is sensitive. And once that loyalty is
questioned, the consequences are rarely silent.
In Yoruba culture, there’s a proverb
that says: “Maa jo lo mo n weyin e.”
“The one dancing ahead doesn’t
see what’s following him behind.”
Mr. Governor may have thought he
was leading, but what followed him was political disaster — carefully planted
by those who envy his position and seek to bring him down through subtle
sabotage.
Those Advisers Are Not Your Friends
Let it be said boldly: Those who
advised the Governor to antagonize or challenge his political father are not
his friends. They are termites in his cabinet. Wolves in agbada. They may eat
with him today, but they will dance on his grave tomorrow if allowed.
These advisers knew exactly what
they were doing. They understood the implications. But they whispered dangerous
counsel into his ears to achieve their own goals. Some may be seeking political
appointments. Others want to control Lagos. A few are likely stooges for
external interests who desire the disintegration of Tinubu’s Lagos stronghold.
Mr. Governor must now accept that
this confrontation, whether silent or spoken , is not his natural path. It is
artificial. Manufactured. Engineered by disloyal elements in his inner circle
who want to see him fall from grace.
A Clarion Call for Reconciliation
Governor Sanwo-Olu must act now —
not tomorrow. Not next week. Not in whispers. Now.
He must swallow his pride, return
to the President, and seek peace. A public visit. A heartfelt explanation. A
private appeal. A reaffirmation of loyalty. Whatever it takes, it must be done.
Because this is not just about his political survival; it’s about the legacy of
Lagos. It’s about the order that created him. It’s about the message to those
who come after him.
Nothing should be considered too
much to bring the President back to the table. The man who gave him power must
not be taken for granted. Not now. Not ever.
And After This Storm… Let the
Purge Begin
If God gives Mr. Governor the
grace to escape this political ambush, then a purge must follow.
He must reassess his team. Clean
out the poison. Identify the moles. And walk them far from his table. Their
loyalty was fake. Their counsel was deadly. Their intentions were destructive.
The palace must be rid of
Tortoise — before the kingdom is destroyed from within.
Mr. Governor, you are still
respected. You are still seen as a gentleman. You are still regarded as someone
who rose on the wings of grace and loyalty. But those wings are damaged. Not by
you, but by those who whisper behind the throne.
Fix it now.
Rebuild the bridge.
Return to your roots.
Because Lagos needs a united
front. And history will not be kind to the son who spat on the shoes of the
father that carried him.
May wisdom guide you. And may God
protect you — from your enemies disguised as advisers.
Mr. President, the Lion Must Also
Show Mercy
But while we speak truth to the
Governor, we must also speak truth to the President.
Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
you are not just a leader — you are a father. And like every father, you must
sometimes look beyond the immediate pain and see the long arc of love and
loyalty. Yes, your political son may have erred. Yes, his steps may have
strayed. But he is still your son.
Let not the voice of envy drown
the cry of repentance.
Let not the smile of your enemies
overshadow the tears of your son.
The Yoruba say: “Omo eni o se’fi
fun ekun paje.” (One does not hand over his own child to be devoured by a
tiger.)
The Jagaban, this is the time to
remember that you are not just the President of a country, but the pillar of a
legacy. You created Sanwo-Olu — not just as a politician, but as a symbol of
your influence. Do not let others rewrite that story with bitterness and
division.
Accept his return. Embrace his
plea. And teach the political class that even in power, forgiveness is not
weakness — it is wisdom.
A house divided cannot stand. And
a legacy shattered by pride may never be rebuilt.
Let this be the turning point —
not just for Lagos, but for the larger family of progressives who have watched
this cold war in painful silence.
Let the Governor rise in
humility.
Let the President respond in
mercy.
Let the advisers of chaos be cast
out.
And let Lagos, the city of hope
and harmony, remain strong, united, and deeply loyal to its roots.
Because when fathers forgive,
sons become stronger. And when sons return, families are made whole again.
Abimbola Tooki is an analyst,
strategist and communications professional.
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