.jpeg)
By: Manoah kikekon
 |
| Tinubu, Elegushi, Oniru and Sanwo-olu |
Multiple insider sources have revealed to People Gazette that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the continued withdrawal of government-provided security from Lagos monarchs Oba Saheed Elegushi and Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland) for allegedly supporting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the controversial impeachment of Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa earlier this year.
According to three independent sources, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun was directed to maintain the security suspension after Tinubu learned that the two royal fathers endorsed Sanwo-Olu’s move to oust Obasa—a key Tinubu ally—on January 13.
The president reportedly viewed the monarchs’ actions as a betrayal, especially given their close ties to his political ally.
The Gazette observed over the weekend that the usual police presence outside the palaces of both monarchs had disappeared. A source close to the Oniru Palace disclosed that the king has resorted to hiring private security dressed in State Security Service (SSS)-style suits to maintain an official appearance.
Sanwo-Olu’s Political Misstep & Tinubu’s Retaliation
While constitutional limitations prevent Tinubu from directly punishing Sanwo-Olu, the president has reportedly moved against those who aided the governor in what he sees as a reckless political maneuver.
“The president has authorized the police IG to keep withholding security from Oniru and Elegushi,” a source familiar with the matter said. “They brought this upon themselves by allowing Sanwo-Olu to use them.”
Tinubu was reportedly furious that the monarchs failed to verify Sanwo-Olu’s claim of presidential approval before backing Obasa’s removal. “They should have contacted his office to confirm,” a top aide said.
Obasa’s Reinstatement & Sanwo-Olu’s Desperate Moves
After weeks of defiance by Lagos lawmakers—widely believed to be instigated by Sanwo-Olu—Obasa was reinstated as Speaker on March 3 following Tinubu’s direct intervention. The president’s distrust of the governor deepened after reports emerged that Sanwo-Olu allegedly bribed lawmakers to execute the impeachment.
Tinubu further snubbed Sanwo-Olu by avoiding a Lagos event during his birthday celebrations, suspecting the governor had enlisted Yoruba monarchs to mediate the rift. “The president knew Sanwo-Olu was mobilizing traditional rulers to plead on his behalf,” a Lagos politician revealed.
Why Obasa Matters to Tinubu’s 2027 Plans
Tinubu’s anger stems partly from losing Lagos to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election. With 2027 in mind, the president sees Obasa—a grassroots mobilizer from the critical Agege-Alimosho axis—as indispensable to reclaiming the state.
“Sanwo-Olu knew Obasa’s importance to Tinubu yet still pushed for his removal,” an anonymous official said.
Monarchs’ Rising Influence & Land Allocations to Tinubu’s Ally
Oniru and Elegushi, though historically minor figures, have gained prominence due to Tinubu’s patronage. Sources say they’ve allocated prime coastal lands to Gilbert Chagoury, Tinubu’s business associate and a convicted money launderer, whose firms recently secured multi-billion-naira Lagos infrastructure contracts.
Oniru’s spokesman, Hakeem Akintoye, denied any political involvement, attributing the monarch’s link to the crisis to his sister, Mojisola Meranda, who briefly replaced Obasa as Speaker. Elegushi, meanwhile, falsely claimed his security remains intact, though *The Gazette* confirmed his efforts to regain official protection.
Presidential and police spokespersons declined to comment, while Sanwo-Olu’s office did not respond.
As the power struggle continues, Tinubu’s message is clear: loyalty is non-negotiable in Lagos politics.