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Sanwo-Olu: Lagosians groan under the under-performing yoke of Tinubu’s overrated boy(Part 1)

Published

6 years ago

January 14, 2020

MOUN Lagos State Council rejoice with His Excellency Mr.Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

“I am not happy. I believe that Lagos can achieve a bit more. I have been in office for 125 days, I do not have absolute control over the legislature for instance because the legislature is independent and has to remain so.”

The above lamentation from Babajide Sanwo Olu, the executive governor of Lagos State explains, in details, the developmental deficits that define the pathway of his administration even as he momentarily tries to fast track attention to the

deplorable and alarming neglects of critical areas in the State.

Voters, who earnestly still venerate and value Akinwumi Ambode’s administration had wished he continued until APC leaders decided otherwise. On the heels of comparison, those who monitor the developmental graph of the State submit that

Ambode’s first 100 days in office were blessings compared to Sanwo-Olus which has been described as “unimpressive”.

According to Farah Aideed, a social media commentator, “Sanwo Olu days in office so far have been lack lustre with nothing remarkable to write home about apart from returning VIO back to the streets. For Ambode, she stated that he matched words with action just three weeks in office by announcing his decision to realign the Ministry of Rural Development, Parastatals Monitoring Office as well as

Political and Legislative Powers Bureau. This, according to her, set the tone for effective and mass-oriented governance that led to unprecedented

achievements within four years. Continuing, Aideed stated that not many will forget Ambode’s milk of kindness to Mrs. Ruth Uche, the mother of three set of twins whose husband absconded from their home including Oluwajomiloju Ogundimu’s heart surgery on his second working day in office.

She emphasized the setting up of Overseas Affairs and Investment office which clearly spelt out where his administration headed.

In all of this, Aideed is particularly angry and regrets voting Sanwolu saying what seems to be his pre occupation is persecuting his predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

If Aideed has all this to say, the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State sees it differently, lambasting and accusing Sanwo-Olu for sleeping on duty as

Lagos governor. The party said the only people who can boast of benefiting from the government of Sanwo-Olu so far are members of the All Progressives Congress

and its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The party has since requested he resigns if he can live up to his campaign promises.

The party also advised the governor to spare time and address the traffic congest- ion across Lagos even as the city currently ranks the filthiest in West Africa.

PDPs statement seems a child’s play when compared with the harsh verdict from reputable Economist Intelligence Unit that ranked Lagos as the world’s most

dangerous city to live in.

Sadly, Lagosians are already having misgivings about the direction and effectiveness of Sanwolu. Earlier, there were concerns about Sanwo-Olu’s

experience and the turbulence he faced while trying to emerge as the gubernatorial candidate of his party as Ambode reported that Sanwo-Olu was neither fit nor

qualified to be the governor of Lagos state.

However, his Information Commissioner, Gbenga Omotosho, disagrees with these assertions, saying “Sanwo-Olu’s milestones have been remarkable.

Wherever the governor went he was met by Lagosians who appreciated what he has done. The Mother & Child Hospital was commissioned in Eti-Osa LGA, the

housing estate in Igando, Jakande Gardens was commissioned, there is a new re-orientation about waste management in the state,” he defended.

Gbenga stressed further that the traffic situation has been managed to a bearable situation. “Look at the Apapa axis long lines of trailers from Apapa as long as to

to Surulere, to the stadium, up to Fadeyi area, they are no longer there now. Not that there are no challenges. The challenges are there but they are being tackled

everyday and more creative ways are been used to deal with the traffic.”

But governor Sanwo-Olu had unveiled the

acronym, ‘THEME’’ for his policy initiatives,which he detailed as follows:

T- Traffic Management & Transportation.

H- Health & EnvironmentE- Education & Technology.

M- Making Lagos a 21st century economy

E- Entertainment & Tourism

Supporting the 5 main pillars, he also listed the following as areas of focus; Infrastructure, Housing, Ease of doing business, Land reform and Power.

The policy initiative notwithstanding, stakeholders have been of the view that tangible results would make meaning than theoretical jingoism.

They reckoned that it will be wise if Babajide Sanwo-Olu runs a people-centred government in order to avoid the repetition of what happened to his predecessor. In other words, for Sanwo-Olu to be a man of the people, he must reactivate his

traffic control mechanism. They are worried that on a very bad day, people can spend one or two hours on a journey that should not take them more than

20 minutes.

At the moment, some places in the Oshodi-Iyana Ipaja axis are usually dark when there is no light, making them choice locations for hoodlums and petty thieves to lurk around in order to attack unsuspecting people.

It will be fantastic if Sanwo-Olu orders that street light is fixed in this axis as this will complement the effort to end insecurity. Extortion is still one areas that worries voters who are daily extorted by the area boys in Lagos State.

They harass the drivers in a bid to collect money and by extension, irritate the passengers. A megacity like Lagos State should not be hijacked by area boys.

On bad and potholes filled roads, there are flashes of efforts even as it is not uncommon to find potholes in the Lagos State roads, which are partly

responsible for traffic and accident.

Technically, Sanwo-Olu had embarked on a crash programme at United States of America’s Kennedy Institute of Government where he got trained in government

administration and civil responsibility. His returns from the US programme was to herald freshness into the democratic governance of the 53 years old State. However, lots of party followers and other stakeholders in the state are currently

bewildered about the parochial and selectively guided execution of programmes in the state.

Specifically, road patching has unleashed hardship on motorists as they’re done during the rush hour as opposed to the wee hours when a lot of people have retired to their homes.

Sanwo-Olu who ran a rigorous campaign that’s full of promises for Lagosians,however he has literally gone to sleep since he was sworn-in as Governor of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve-centre —on May 29, 2019. Today, Lagos residents groan under the burden of Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s cluelessness and our people are faced with myriads of problems all over the state from deplorable road surfaces to dead street lamps. With acute and recurring flash floods, worsening traffic, clogged drainage channels and a spike in

crime, one would say these are enough reasons to believe that Sanwo-

Olu, who ran a viral, ubiquitous, in-your-face election campaign early in the year, has been a disaster in on the job.

Lagosians have also been complaining about pot-hole laden road surfaces, with one commentator on social media posting that there are now as many potholes as there are humans in Lagos.

But over the years in the corridors of power, he has diligently worked his ways into the heart of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the latter who reposed a lot of confidence in him and his ability to drive Lagos forward is also now at the cross-roads what with a barrage of criticisms from different groups of stakeholders in the state.

According to sources,the slow-coach called Sanwo-Olu is now giving his principal sleepless nights as Asiwaju himself has seen that his stooge is bereft of ideas that that take Lagos to the next level. And the politcal architecture and master-plan of the state of aquatic splendour which Tinubu drafted and implemented very well before passing the baton to Raji Fashola and which the latter gave to Akinwumi Ambode has now droped off Sanwo-Olu’s hand.

Watch out for part two of this article!

Sola Adeyemo is a media entrepreneur and publisher of City News.He’s also the President of Coalition of Online Publishers in West Africa(COPUWA).

society

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Published

1 day ago

August 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.

Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.

According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.

He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.

” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.

All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.

Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.

His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.

news

HRH Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye Ascends the Throne of Agunjin Land

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2025

Sahara Weekly

A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.

The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.

A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.

The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.

The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.

As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.

Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.

Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family

news

From Ejigbo to the World: How Primate Ayodele’s Prophecies Shape Public Debate

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2025

Sahara Weekly

The Man Who Makes Nigeria Listen — Primate Elijah Ayodele’s Prophetic Influence

Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens

By Femi Oyewale

Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.

Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.

Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.

Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood

The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:

• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.

• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.

• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.

Philanthropy and institution building

Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.

What makes him unique

Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:

1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).

2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.

3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.

The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism

To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.

Looking ahead

As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.