The Lagos State government has categorically denied a report claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was ordered to resign on health grounds, with the deputy governor set to take over. The denial comes after an online publication alleged that the governor had been asked to step down.
Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu, described the report as completely false and urged the public to disregard it. Akosile assured Lagos residents that Sanwo-Olu is in good health and sound mind, and is actively performing his duties as governor.
Official Response to Allegations
In a statement released via his X handle on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Akosile said: "We have noted with concern a false report by Sahara Reporters alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been 'ordered to resign on health grounds' with the Deputy Governor set to take over. This report is false in its entirety. Nobody has asked the Lagos Governor to resign—this is another fake news, which has become a pattern of Sahara Reporters. Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties as Governor of Lagos State."
Akosile further recalled that Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat paid a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Monday, April 27, 2026. During the meeting, Hamzat formally notified the governor of his intention to contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, which is customary for such consultations.
Public Reaction and Calls for Legal Action
The denial has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media. Some users called for legal action against the publication, while others expressed skepticism about the government's denial. For instance, @JournalistsAga3 tweeted: "Denial of fake news is NOT enough. The Lagos State Govt @followlasg should do the needful and take the matter to court. Enough of false narratives in the media." Similarly, @Aimasikho asked: "Is it hard to get these people arrested and charge them in court to face the music? Is it that hard??"
Conversely, some users believed the report might be true. @cute_visual commented: "I can tell you for free that the story is true, and we will see it play out in a few days or months." Another user, @abimbolasuccess, wrote: "It's just a matter of days; we'll know who is lying. You defended Achimugu's affairs with Jide until @officialEFCC burst her and in a matter of days Jide's immunity will elapse and he'll then dance to the tune. We are patient here, we'll wait."
Background: Sanwo-Olu Endorses Hamzat for 2027
Earlier, Governor Sanwo-Olu had endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 Lagos governorship race. This endorsement came after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders, including Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, who reached a consensus backing Hamzat. Sanwo-Olu praised Hamzat's loyalty and experience, while acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for shaping their political journey.
Speaker Obasa Names Next Lagos Governor
In related developments, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa stated that the next governor of Lagos State is Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. Obasa noted that Hamzat has been part of the state's administration since the tenure of Bola Tinubu as governor in 1999. He also posited that President Tinubu endorsed Hamzat's candidacy as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer in the 2027 election.
The Lagos State government has urged the public to disregard the resignation report and treat it as fake news in its entirety.
