LAGOS, NIGERIA: Officials insist governor remains in good health, dismiss viral claims as false
The Lagos State Government has dismissed widespread reports claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been asked to resign from office
In an official statement obtained by Pixel Pulse Media, the government described the report as entirely false and urged the public to disregard the claim.
The statement, issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, addressed a viral publication alleging that the governor had been directed to step down on health grounds, with the deputy governor set to take over.
According to the government, there is no truth to the report.
“This report is false in its entirety. Nobody has asked the Lagos Governor to resign,” the statement read.
Officials further emphasized that Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health and continues to carry out his responsibilities as the state’s chief executive.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties as Governor of Lagos State,” the statement added.
Government Provides Context
The government also clarified recent developments involving the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. It confirmed that the deputy governor had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the governor to formally notify him of his intention to contest for the governorship.
The meeting, according to the statement, was held in a cordial atmosphere, consistent with standard political engagement.
Warning Against Misinformation
Lagos authorities used the opportunity to caution the public against misleading reports, stating that the clarification was necessary to prevent confusion among residents.
The statement criticised the source of the report, alleging a pattern of misinformation, and urged Lagosians to rely on verified information from official channels.
“We advise the public to disregard the story and treat it as fake news,” the statement concluded.
Full Statement from Lagos Government
Below is the full official statement obtained by Pixel Pulse Media:
Sanwo-Olu Not Asked To Resign – Disregard Sahara Reporters’ Falsehood
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.
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.
While Sahara Reporters has a track record of publishing disinformation, we are issuing this clarification to prevent the public from being misled by deliberate falsehoods. We would ordinarily ignore such baseless reports, but the need to reassure Lagosians makes this response necessary.
We advise the public to disregard the Sahara Reporters story and treat it as fake news.
Gboyega Akosile
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor of Lagos State
27 April 2026
