SPOTTED: Tinubu snubs Sanwo-Olu at Lagos-Calabar coastal highway phase one inauguration

Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu snubbed Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, on Saturday during the inauguration ceremony of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

The inauguration event of the completed phase 1, section 1 (30km by six lanes) of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway in the commercial city, was attended by several dignitaries, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno; Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa; and Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River.

Tinubu exchanged pleasantries by shaking hands with the dignitaries as he proceeded along the line of officials.However, when Tinubu reached Sanwo-Olu, he ignored the Lagos governor and extended a handshake directly to greet Ahmed Ododo, the governor of Kogi, who was next in line.

The construction of the highway began in March, 2024. The first phase of the project, made up of 47.47 kilometres of dual carriageway, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

Tinubu subsequently flagged off the construction of the highway in May 2024.

The project generated controversies, including the demolition of structures on the beach and allegations of a lack of transparency in the award and its cost.

TINUBU-SANWO-OLU ALLEGED RIFT

There has been speculation that Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu are not on good terms following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Lagos assembly speaker.

Obasa was removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in February over allegations of financial misconduct but was later  after 49 days when Tinubu allegedly intervened.