By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A short video clip showing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seemingly bypassing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a public handshake session with state governors has stirred widespread controversy on social media, reigniting speculation about internal rifts within Lagos State’s political leadership.
The viral footage, which captures the president greeting a line-up of governors, appears to show him skipping Sanwo-Olu without any physical acknowledgment—a move that many have interpreted in varying lights, from a simple oversight to a calculated political message.
Mixed Reactions Trail the Incident
While some commentators downplayed the event, describing it as unintentional, others argued it was a deliberate snub. “It was an oversight,” wrote Ola Abiodun, suggesting there was no malice in the action.
However, Ayodele Akinniyi disagreed, hinting at unresolved tensions linked to the controversial impeachment saga involving former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. “Not oversight. It is intentional. You mean a whole Sanwo-Olu is small boy? Unacceptable. Carry over of Obasa saga,” he said.
Adding to the claims of political fallout, Oluwaseun Salami remarked, “The cold war over Obasa removal is still on,” implying that the handshake omission may reflect ongoing tensions in Lagos State’s political hierarchy.
Olanrewaju Aborisade went further, suggesting a personal rift: “The scenario here depicts Mr. President is not happy and has a personal issue with Mr. Governor (Babajide Sanwo-Olu)… He did it on purpose.”
Calls for Context and Cultural Interpretation
In contrast, other commenters offered more culturally nuanced interpretations of the gesture. Fatoki Ayobode Kehinde described the moment as a sign of deference, not discord. “He only respects his leader and mentor by not extending his hands out to greet him; instead, he bows his head like Omoluabi, as Yoruba will say.”
Omowunmi Ogungbaibi echoed this sentiment: “Babajide Sanwo-Olu did not extend his hand in the first place, rather bowed as a Yoruba man to greet him… but the president still did not acknowledge… this is not a time for disunity.”
Political Undercurrents
While the presidency has yet to issue a statement, the incident has added to speculation about fractures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in Lagos State where Tinubu maintains considerable political influence. The timing of the video, coming amid whispers of internal disagreements, has further heightened interest in the body language between key figures in the state’s political leadership.
Observers say the handshake controversy may be minor on the surface but underscores broader concerns about party unity and succession politics in Lagos.
As reactions continue to pour in, many Nigerians are calling for clarity from the presidency or the Lagos State Government to address growing public speculation.