Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has firmly denied reports claiming he has filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged plans for his arrest and prosecution after his tenure.
The headline-grabbing story, which claimed that the Governor sought legal action to counter an alleged plan for his arrest and prosecution after leaving office, has prompted a swift and emphatic rebuttal from his legal team.
In an official statement, Lawal Pedro, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, categorically denied the claims, asserting, “Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at no time sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter.”
He described the reports as “disingenuous,” emphasizing that the Governor enjoys constitutional immunity and has nearly three years remaining in his tenure.
Pedro’s declaration added fuel to the already fiery situation, stating, “To the best of my knowledge, the EFCC is not investigating the Governor and has never invited him or threatened arrest of any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise.”
This assertion raises questions about the sources of the original allegations and how they came to circulate without the government’s knowledge.
Sanwo-Olu’s office took the opportunity to bolster his reputation as a leader committed to transparency and public service, with Pedro stating, “For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been an exemplar in terms of service delivery and prudent management of public resources.”
He reassured the public that the Governor is focused on improving the living conditions of Lagosians and has nothing to fear as he approaches the end of his term in May 2027.
The controversy has ignited a media frenzy, with calls for journalists to exercise caution in their reporting.
Pedro urged media organisations to be wary of the kind of reports they publish, warning against the potential for misleading the public.
As the dust settles on this developing narrative, the question remains: what motivated the initial claims? With the EFCC’s shadow looming over political figures across Nigeria, the situation has heightened tensions in the political landscape, leaving many to speculate on the implications for Sanwo-Olu’s administration and its future.
As the saga unfolds, both supporters and critics of the Governor will be watching closely, eager for clarity in a situation rife with drama and uncertainty.
