The ongoing tension between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appears to be deepening, as security details for two prominent Lagos monarchs—Oba Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland) and Oba Saheed Elegushi—remain withdrawn indefinitely on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the president reportedly directed the police to continue withholding security from the monarchs after receiving reports that they had sided with Governor Sanwo-Olu during the controversial January impeachment of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Tinubu is said to have been displeased with Sanwo-Olu’s handling of the situation, particularly the failure to manage dissent among lawmakers that led to Obasa’s temporary ousting. Sources say the president’s decision to maintain the suspension of security details is part of broader efforts to hold accountable all individuals he believes were involved in what he views as a political misstep.
Following the suspension, the usual police presence around the palaces of Oniru and Elegushi was noticeably absent over the weekend. In response, Oba Oniru has reportedly employed private security personnel, dressing them in uniforms to mimic official security agents.
“Kabiyesi had to provide his own guards because there’s no word on when federal protection will return. The president is still upset,” a palace source told Peoples Gazette.
Although Tinubu cannot directly sanction Sanwo-Olu due to constitutional limitations, insiders say the president has chosen to send a strong message by penalizing his perceived allies in the matter.
“The Inspector-General of Police has been directed to continue withholding security for both Oniru and Elegushi,” one source revealed. “They’re seen as having aligned too closely with the governor during the crisis.”
The president reportedly expected both monarchs to question Sanwo-Olu’s claim that the presidency supported Obasa’s removal. A top aide stated that Tinubu was disappointed they didn’t reach out to verify the governor’s assertion before taking sides.
Obasa was replaced by Mojisola Lasbat Meranda after his impeachment on January 13. However, following a presidential intervention, he was reinstated on March 3, despite initial pushback from members of the Lagos Assembly.
While Sanwo-Olu publicly denied involvement in the impeachment, multiple reports suggest he played a behind-the-scenes role in orchestrating the speaker’s removal. In the aftermath, Tinubu allegedly refused to meet with the lawmakers involved, signaling his disapproval of their actions and Sanwo-Olu’s role.
Insiders suggest that Tinubu’s distrust of the governor dates back to the 2023 presidential election, when Lagos State was lost to Peter Obi of the Labour Party. “The president hasn’t forgotten how important Agege is to him. Sanwo-Olu’s alleged actions against Obasa, who has long-standing loyalty to Tinubu, only added fuel to the fire,” a source said.
A spokesperson for Oba Oniru has denied the monarch’s involvement in any political conflict, clarifying that his only association with the Assembly was through family ties to Meranda.
“Kabiyesi Oniru remains committed to the cultural and social development of Iru Kingdom. He is not a political actor,” said spokesman Hakeem Akintoye.
Meanwhile, Oba Elegushi has downplayed the issue, denying that his security was compromised. However, sources say he is quietly working to restore his federal protection.
Presidential aides have refused to comment on the matter, and inquiries directed at Governor Sanwo-Olu’s office and the Force Headquarters have so far gone unanswered.
