Only Lagosians can fire their governor, says Rhodes-Vivour

Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised what he described as attempts to reduce the choice of Lagos leadership to the will of a few individuals.

Rhodes-Vivour made the remarks in a post on X on Tuesday while reacting to a viral report claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had been asked to resign on health grounds, a claim already debunked by the Lagos State Government.

“The APC, and particularly Mr President, are mistaken to believe they have stripped Lagosians of agency.

“That who becomes governor or when to remove the said governor is reduced to the feelings or hallucinations of one man and a gang of kleptocrats is insulting to many and must no longer be tolerated,” he wrote.

Rhodes-Vivour insisted that only residents of the state have the right to determine their leaders, stressing that political power should not be concentrated in the hands of a few.

“Only the people of Lagos can and must determine those who will lead them. Only them also reserve the right to decide when they are fed up with who governs the state,” he added.

Rhodes-Vivour further described Lagos as “bigger than the whims of one man,” calling for a shift towards leadership that is accountable to the people ahead of the 2027 elections.

“In 2027 we must permanently end this babasọpe criminality and elect a governor that is accountable and beholden to the people of Lagos. It is time to restore #OurLagos in the interest of all Lagosians,” he said.

The comments followed the Lagos State Government’s dismissal of reports alleging that Sanwo-Olu had been asked to step down due to health concerns.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the government described the report as false and misleading.

“We have noted with concern a false report… alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been ‘ordered to resign on health grounds’ with the Deputy Governor set to take over,” the statement read.

“This report is false in its entirety. Nobody has asked the Lagos Governor to resign… Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties.”

The government also confirmed that the governor recently met with his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, who formally informed him of his intention to contest the governorship seat.

Officials urged the public to disregard the viral claims, describing them as fake news.