During the commissioning ceremony of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway held on Saturday, a moment perceived as a diplomatic snub was observed when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appeared to bypass Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The event, which marked the formal launch of the initial 30-kilometre stretch of the expansive infrastructure project, was described by President Tinubu as a critical stride toward economic advancement, national cohesion, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The ceremony was attended by a number of high-profile dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and several governors serving their second terms, notably Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Upon President Tinubu’s arrival, formal greetings were extended to Akpabio, Edun, and others. However, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was seen bowing in a gesture of respect, was notably not acknowledged with a handshake, sparking observations of a potential deliberate omission.
In his address, President Tinubu called for continued patience from Nigerians in the face of economic hardship, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and reducing the cost of pharmaceutical production.
Speculation has been growing regarding a possible strain in the relationship between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu. This tension is believed to have been exacerbated by the controversial impeachment of Mudasiru Obasa, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Obasa, who was ousted by a legislative majority in February due to allegations of financial misconduct, was reportedly reinstated after 49 days, following alleged intervention by President Tinubu.
“It is all about the people. We are giving all incentives to everyone to abide by the principles of Nigeria First,” he said.
“I know expectations are still very high, and our people are going through difficult times, but hope is here and it is realisable,” he said.
Watch the video below;
“Tinubu snubs Sanwo-Olu”… okay
But what’s even more eye-catching is the way the so-called democratically-elected leader of Nigeria is treated like a deity, evocative of the military era. The sycophancy is why there’s zero accountability.
pic.twitter.com/ztf6gS6SuQ— Imbuya Media (@Imbuya_media) May 31, 2025