Tinubu, Obanikoro arrive for Sanwo-Olu’s inauguration as Ambode stays away

There was heavy deployment of security personnel around the Tafawa Balewa Square(TBS) venue of the inauguration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Lagos State governor on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that scores of security personnel, comprising soldiers, policemen and officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen manning strategic positions around the venue.

Some of the law enforcement officers were seen standing by Armoured Personnel Carriers(APCs) and vans that dotted streets around the venue.

Those coming into TBS for the inauguration were subjected to thorough search by security personnel which also included officials of Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

Sanwo-Olu was yet to arrive the venue as at the time of writing this report, but the deputy governor-elect, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, had arrived in company of some security details.

Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central), the state’s Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, were some of prominent personalities already present.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has chosen to stay away from the inauguration of his successor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu today.

Ambode, in a statement released Wednesday morning by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruba, explained that Sanwo-Olu deserves to enjoy his historic day without him sharing the glory with him.

“I have already formally handed over reins of power in the State to the new Governor in a most cordial and convivial ceremony at the State House yesterday.

“The formal inauguration should have Mr. Sanwo-Olu as the star of the day. I don’t think that glory should be shared with him by my presence,” Ambode said in the statement.