How a former banker rose to lead Nigeria's most populous and influential state
In short: Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s path to the governorship of Lagos State began in the private banking sector before he transitioned into public service. His career trajectory, marked by strategic appointments and a decisive primary victory, highlights the complex intersection of corporate experience, political patronage, and the evolving dynamics of Nigerian governance.
Born in 1965, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu built a professional foundation in finance, serving as a treasurer at Lead Merchant Bank and later in leadership roles at the United Bank for Africa and First Inland Bank. His shift toward politics occurred in 2003, when he became a special adviser to the deputy governor of Lagos State. Over the following decade, he held various commissioner roles under governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, eventually leading the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation.
Sanwo-Olu’s ascent to the governorship in 2019 followed a high-stakes primary against incumbent Akinwunmi Ambode. His campaign secured broad support from key political stakeholders, including the Governor’s Advisory Council. After winning the 2019 election, he focused on infrastructure, including road construction and the expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit system. His tenure has not been without controversy; his 2020 decision to remove a statue of Fela Kuti to address traffic congestion drew public attention, and his 2023 reelection was marked by significant ethnic tensions and legal challenges.
The 2023 election results were formally contested by opposition candidates Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and AbdulAzeez Olajide Adediran. The petitioners alleged irregularities regarding the citizenship status of Sanwo-Olu’s deputy, Femi Hamzat, and questioned the authenticity of the governor’s academic credentials. However, in September 2023, the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed these claims, affirming the legitimacy of the election results. Sanwo-Olu remains a polarizing figure, navigating the complexities of governance in a state defined by rapid urbanization and intense political competition.
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