29th June, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The grand reception for President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Marina on Thursday has brought together former governors of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu together for the first time in many years.
Ambode was spotted at the reception as he took photos with Fashola and Sanwo-Olu and later with others, signifying that a reconciliation has finally taken place.
Sanwo-Olu took time to introduce Ambode to several dignitaries present at the occasion.
Watch video below:
The signal that a true reconciliation was on the way was when Sanwo-Olu visited Ambode in his house in Ikoyi to felicitate with him on his 60th birthday.
The former governor had been bitter that he was not given a second term in office and was replaced by Sanwo-Olu unceremoniously.
While in power, Ambode vented his anger on his predecessor, Fashola, refusing to complete the project he left behind.
He was bitter that he was sacked by Fashola when he was the Accountant General of Lagos. Ambode was so bitter that all those loyal to Fashola when he took over power were sacked.
Projects left behind by his predecessor were abandoned as he began new ones on his own. The bitterness against Fashola lasted all through his administration.
When he was replaced with Sanwo-Olu, Ambode withdrew from public glare. He shunned social media and retired to a quiet life.
All through the campaign for the actualisation of Tinubu’s presidency, Ambode never participated, as he was also bitter with Tinubu.
The last time he posted on his Twitter handle was February 1, 2022, shortly after Tinubu made his intention to vie for the presidency.
He seemed to be against the move and tweeted: “After all we have been through, God has been faithful. Thank you for the overwhelming endorsement of our modest contributions to the growth of Lagos. It can only get better for Lagos, and indeed Nigeria.
“The youths are coming. The power is in their hands. Go and get your Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ready. Your future is NOW!”
Everyone was, however, surprised when Sanwo-Olu issued a statement on Ambode’s 60th birthday praising and eulogising him. He did not stop at that, he went to his house and showered encomium on him.
Ambode’s presence at a reception for Tinubu in Marina today, signifies true reconciliation and that he is truly back to the fold.