We all know the saying: the same broom used to flog the first wife will flog the new one.
Yesterday, we awoke to news that the Governor had taken the EFCC to court to enforce his human rights and bar them from harassing or arresting him after his tenure. This was strange, especially as he still has about three years left in office.
To our relief, we have now heard that no such court case exists.
In a statement reportedly released by a top government official, it was clarified that no such action was taken and that the Governor remains focused on serving Lagosians.
However, we know this smoke likely signals fire. Only a simpleton wouldn’t see the broom coming for Jide. Riding in the circles that brought him to power is like riding a tiger: the constant threat of falling and being devoured looms.
In these circles, interest is sacrosanct, but loyalty and positioning within the group shift according to prevailing issues and financial availability.
The seat of the Lagos State Governor is one of the most influential in Africa, perhaps behind only the Nigerian, South African, and Egyptian presidencies.
Thus, what we see here is a constant interplay of intrigues, betrayals, shifting alliances, and a dose of diabolism aimed at either gaining the seat or maintaining access to it.
Sanwo-Olu would be fooling himself and his main supporters if he thinks we don’t know there is turbulence around him. From my outside perspective, I can categorically say this turbulence is category 5.
It’s not coincidental that news of the heir to the throne’s ambition surfaced through a major outlet, followed shortly by rumors of EFCC involvement.
Sanwo-Olu has endured the loss of dignity amid the powerful forces within the establishment. He faced the embarrassment of having his cabinet nominees rejected, leading to a reshuffling, wrestled the head of the third arm in a well-managed power struggle, and played a daily balancing act of competing interests.
I don’t envy him or anyone as Lagos’ governor.
It’s nearly a thankless role, even with the material and other benefits it brings. Fashola once said, “May your loyalty not be tested.” In Lagos, a governor’s loyalty is tested daily, and failure means ruin.
A Lagos Governor is only as powerful as the minions who surround him. During Ambode’s time, I once visited Bourdillon for a meeting with Nigeria’s then-President, a powerful party leader, and found half the Governor’s cabinet there. Some were even serving food. I wondered how the Governor could work if his team was in Ikoyi, struggling with gatemen over their duties.
Thus, the Lagos Governor must be skilled in managing not only his overlords but also the many “informal messengers” who carry information up and down the political hierarchy. This information network plays a significant role in the decisions made by Lagos’ true powers, showing how vulnerable the Governor can be.
So, has Jide ridden this tiger well? I would say no, simply because no one can. The system is set up so that even if our Lord and Saviour were Governor of Lagos, he’d be impeached. Varying interests and a struggle for limited rewards create an environment of controlled chaos.
Fashola almost didn’t get a second term, Ambode was swept out by the broom, and Jide was only saved by the presidential elections that secured him a second term. The system has produced three capable leaders with little political base or maneuvering skills, and each has paid the price.
Ambode, perhaps the most enigmatic, came up through the ranks and didn’t tolerate fools. His accomplishments couldn’t save him, making him extremely popular today. Fashola also had to suffer the indignity of begging for a second term, which I believe wasn’t as impactful as his first.
Jide has made significant strides, continuing Ambode’s infrastructural improvements, managing COVID, and preventing a potential massacre in Nigeria. He has excelled in agriculture, infrastructure, police welfare through LSSTF, and reforming the health sector. He has driven technology and services to impact lives and is the most relatable Lagos Governor since Alhaji Jakande.
So why is the broom after him? It’s simply the nature of the role; every occupant must face it.
My only advice to him is to remain true to himself, keep working for the people of Lagos, respect his elders, uphold any promises he’s made, and stay loyal to the establishment. The rest is in God’s hands.
To think the broom will not come for him is delusional.
As for me, I’ll keep praying for him because he’s truly a good man and a gentleman.
It is well, my brother. The broom can come and beat me instead. Kai!
– Duke of Shomolu
