Fayose Backs Wike, Questions Sanwo-Olu’s Leadership in Lagos
Abuja, Nigeria – Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has openly backed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his political rivalry with his estranged godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In an exclusive interview with Arise Television on Tuesday, Fayose asserted that President Bola Tinubu, not Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, controls Lagos politics.
“The President that I know controls Lagos from the palms of his hands. Will you tell me Sanwo-Olu is the leader of Lagos? Let him announce it. Let us hear him,” Fayose said.
“Leadership in Lagos Is Not Sanwo-Olu’s to Claim”
Fayose used the interview to reflect on loyalty, ingratitude, and political influence, emphasizing that those currently supporting Fubara would abandon him if circumstances changed.
“Those people leading on Governor Fubara, if Governor Fubara goes down today, they will run away… People that were saying I should fight back those days, they were not there when I was isolated and alone,” he said.
He also referenced a past Lagos political controversy, in which the Speaker of the House was removed and later reinstated, highlighting Tinubu’s decisive role behind the scenes.
“The president, without saying a word, caused the system to restore that Speaker, because it’s an affront to the President. Who is the leader? It is the President,” Fayose said.
Fayose: “Sanwo-Olu Should Not Deceive Himself”
Fayose added that some political statements are meant for appearances and should not mislead the public about true power dynamics in Lagos.
“You see, there’s certain things that are said to cause aesthetics. Don’t let it get into your head,” he said, stressing that real leadership stems from influence and control rather than titles.
The former governor’s comments further fuel speculation about the ongoing political tensions between Wike, Fubara, and other key figures in the Southeast and Southwest political landscape ahead of future elections.
