Former Lagos Gov. Ambode Reunites With Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Fashola

It was a day of reunion. For the first time in four years, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was reunited with his leader. That was after the seeming parting of ways, following the 2014 governorship primary, which he lost to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Although the reception was organised for the President by his successor, Ambode received special attention during the event.

It was at the Lagos State House, Marina, which hosted him as chief executive between 2015 and 2019.

Ambode made an unexpected public appearance. The former governor shook hands warmly with many dignitaries. They included his colleagues in the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), members of the National Assembly and other presidential aides.

Ambode appeared to be in high spirits. He hugged and patted other dignitaries on the back. Many were happy that the curtains have been drawn on four years of self-alienation and political seclusion.

Ambode joined his successor, Sanwo-Olu, and his predecessor, Mr Fashola, to present a special gift to Tinubu, their godfather, leader and benefactor

The trio have served the state diligently. Under Tinubu’s tutelage. Fashola was Chief of Staff and Commissioner in the Cabinet Office when Sanwo-Olu was special adviser and Ambode was Accountant-General.

Sanwo-Olu also served under Fashola as commissioner and Ambode as Permanent Secretary.

Under Ambode, Sanwo-Olu was the Managing Director of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).

The trio earned their positions under Tinubu by dint of hardwork and loyalty. But Ambode is significant as the bridge that connected the past with the present in Lagos State.

The implication of his aloofness is that he cut himself off from the party and the political family that made him. Today, it is evident that a number of post-2019 actors have emerged in Lagos who neither knew nor bore any allegiance to Ambode.

Tinubu was in a reflective mood at Marina, where he once called the shots between 1999 and 2007