Cracks in Lagos Dynasty

In the elaborate theatre of Nigerian politics, drama is never in short supply. The stage is often crowded with actors playing multiple roles—loyalists today, saboteurs tomorrow. The plots twist with such speed and ferocity that even the principal characters sometimes lose the script.

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Nowhere is this truer than in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial nerve centre and political battleground, where an unfolding saga between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his long-time political godfather, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, threatens to upend the delicate equilibrium of power

Sanwo-Olu, once hailed as the model of loyalty and a man firmly tethered to Tinubu's coattails, is now seen as drifting away. But rather than point fingers solely at the Governor, the story begs a deeper question: Who sold the dummy to Mr. Governor? Who convinced him that he could step out of line without consequence? Who led him into the lion's den and whispered that the lion now sleeps?

To understand this dangerous miscalculation, it helps to revisit an allegorical tale—the story of the Tortoise and the Elephant—where flattery meets ambition, and betrayal dances with power.

In a vast animal kingdom, the Tortoise—wily and manipulative—yearned for relevance in a realm dominated by mightier beasts. He approached the Elephant, grand and respected, but often slow to suspect treachery.

"You are powerful," Tortoise said. "Why do you keep walking behind the Lion? Why do you allow yourself to be shadowed by someone less majestic? Take your rightful place. Lead. Roar."

The Elephant, seduced by the suggestion, began to assert himself. He ignored the Lion's counsel and forged what he believed to be an independent identity. He mistook Tortoise's manipulation for wisdom. He did not know that Tortoise's flattery was poison—designed not to empower, but to destabilize.

In time, the Lion, having observed the Elephant's change, quietly withdrew his protection. The Elephant was left to fend for himself—isolated, exposed, and suddenly aware that the jungle is not forgiving to those who abandon their roots.

This is not merely a fable; it is a mirror. And what it reflects is Governor Sanwo-Olu's current political predicament in Lagos