TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED
Sanwo-Olu and his predecessor Ambode buried the hatchet at the latter’s 60th birthday, writes Kehinde Ajayi
Last week, two events happened that endeared me to the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. One was the Fidau prayer to mark the 10th-year anniversary of the passing of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of the former Lagos State governor and newly sworn-in president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The other was the 60th birthday of the former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. Sanwo-Olu played crucial roles at both events. And I must say, both events revealed some softer sides of his personality.
On Thursday, June 15, influential Lagosians defied the rain to attend Alhaja Mogaji’s 10th year remembrance at the De Blue Roof venue in Ikeja. Dressed in flowing blue Agbada, Sanwo-Olu led the proceedings. Initially, I thought it surprising for a Christian to be charged with leading proceedings in an Islamic gathering. But upon reflection, I think it speaks to the trust which he must have earned for himself from President Tinubu’s family. While Tinubu was in Abuja, warming up to his duties as president, he led the event to honour Alhaja Mogaji who died at age 96 in 2013 and was, until her death, President-General of Lagos State Market Women Association. That Sanwo-Olu presided over the ceremony shows a huge level of trust the president has in him.
“Nobody knows that the prayers we have been supplicating for our father, President Tinubu would come to pass 10 years after the death of Mama,” Sanwo-Olu, who spoke on behalf of Tinubu and the Mogaji family, said. “Our mother did great things because of her righteousness. She is a woman of many parts.
“Asiwaju sends greetings to you all. Indeed, prayers of the faithful will surely be answered, it may not come to pass within one or two years but it will come to pass. We appreciate what Mama has been able to do during her lifetime and what she left behind.”
Earlier, President Tinubu had taken to Twitter to write a tribute.
“Ten years ago today, my darling mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji passed away,” he tweeted. “On this day, I remember her love, grit, devotion and generosity. I will always cherish the time we had together and the values of hard work, forthrightness and perseverance she instilled in me. May Allah continue to rest her beautiful soul.”
Also present at the Fidau prayer was the Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and others, including former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General (rtd) Tukur Buratai; wives of the State Governor, Dr Ibijoke; Deputy Governor, Oluremi and Speaker, Falilat; members of the Lagos Assembly, Clerics from Muslim and Christian faiths, political leaders, market men and women.
A day earlier on June 14, the governor showered encomiums on his predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who became 60. Close watchers of Lagos politics know the battle both men engaged in the race to become Lagos governor in 2019. In 2018, Ambode who was the incumbent governor wanted to return for a second-term. He spoke against Sanwo-Olu’s governorship ambition ahead of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sometimes using flowery language. Ambode lost the primaries and was bitter.
But the birthday greeting from Governor Sanwo-Olu was considered very welcoming. “On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the government and good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends and political associates of my predecessor, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to congratulate him on his 60th birthday,” he stated in a congratulatory message earlier in the day.
“Mr Akinwunmi Ambode dedicated his young and adult life to the service of Lagos State, first as a civil servant and later as the 14th governor of our dear Lagos State. He displayed a high level of integrity, dedication and professionalism to service in the public sector.
“He recorded some achievements and also made positive and significant impacts in some sectors during his tenure as Lagos State governor, working for the continuous growth and development of our state. I wish him a happy birthday and pray that he witnesses many more fruitful years in good health.”
Turning up later in the day at Ambode’s residence where a private party was held, Sanwo-Olu embraced Ambode as the celebrant ushered him inside. Judging from the way both men embraced and chatted, it was glaring that swords had been sheathed. The sight was one of huge relief. The news, cheery to Lagosians.
“Your Excellency, former governor of Lagos State, on your 60th birthday,” Sanwo-Olu said, while giving the toast.
“First of all, we thank God for your life. We thank God for keeping you well, hale and hearty for 60 years. We want to thank God for your time in the service of Lagos State, now and we believe, in the future, commitment, building our nation and our state, I want to thank God for giving you good health, for giving you sound mind, for making it possible for you, for your family, for all of us to see on your 60th birthday. Our prayer is that you live very long. God would grant you the grace of a very long age, good health, and a sound mind. And that even you would still be called upon to come and serve your people, to come and serve mankind, humanity. And God would give you the grace to be able to do that. He’s a jolly good friend and brother. We thank God for you, your life and for all of us. And so, we want to toast to a fine gentleman, a Nigerian and to a Lagosian that means so many things to all of us here. To my brother, my friend, my predecessor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on his 60th birthday.”
In his response, Ambode appreciated the governor.
“I want to say ‘thank you’, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he said. “What you have done today is pleasing to our hearts.
“We are happy that this happened at a moment where I am marking my 60th birthday. I want to show appreciation for all the kind words you have said to me and expressed in the media. I strongly believe God will continue to strengthen your courage and ability to deliver greater good to the larger humanity. This is what is expected. I believe strongly that with what you have done today, we will all work to ensure that you leave a good legacy.”
The visit of Governor Sanwo-Olu to celebrate Ambode has apparently quenched whatever animosity that existed between both men. From being an humble civil servant, Sanwo-Olu has moulded into being a discerning and tactful leader, judging the best way to act and react to different or peculiar situations. He earns trust, like he led to honour Alhaja Mogaji. Like his visit to Ambode, I see a man who is not afraid to act big or little to preserve trust, friendship and love – essentials of life. I think it’s commendable that Sanwo-Olu can hold trust and take the initiative for friendship. May Lagos under your watch, continue to breed peace.
Ajayi writes from Lagos
