BY: Sonaike Peter
Claim:
The Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been asked to resign due to his health challenges with his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi being mandated to take over.
Verdict:
The claim is false. There is no evidence confirming that Babajide Sanwo-Olu was asked to resign on health grounds.
Full Text:
On April 27, 2026, Sahara Reporter, a Nigerian media outlet, in its publication, alleged that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was directed to resign on health grounds.
The Media outlet further reported that his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi, was asked to take over from him.
Reacting to the publication, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Media and Publicity, in an official statement, debunked the claim, describing it as false.
Gboyega Akosile further urged members of the public to disregard the claim.
“We have noted with concern a false report by Sahara Reporters alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been “ordered to resign on health grounds” with the Deputy Governor set to take over,” Gboyega Akosile clarified.
“This report is false in its entirety. Nobody has asked the Lagos Governor to resign-this is another fake news, which has become a pattern of Sahara Reporters. Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties as Governor of Lagos State.”
“Earlier today, the Governor received Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who paid him a courtesy visit to formally notify him of his intention to contest for Governor. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, as is customary,” he added.
Verification
Findings confirm the claim contained in the publication by Sahara Reporters that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was asked to resign on health grounds is false.
As clarified by an official statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the Governor only received his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi on a courtesy visit with the latter notifying him of his intention to run for the office of Governor.
Conclusion
The claim that Babajide Sanwo-Olu was asked to resign as a result of health challenges is misleading. This claim highlights the importance of confirming information before spreading it.
