Laolu Akande, a former media aide to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has explained why some people around President Bola Tinubu may not want former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, to be part of the current administration.
Akande made the remarks during an interview on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, where he suggested that certain individuals in Tinubu’s camp may be uncomfortable with Fashola’s presence because of his principled approach to governance.
According to the former presidential aide, there are two major reasons Fashola is not serving in Tinubu’s government. He suggested that the former Lagos State governor may be experiencing some fatigue, while resistance from people close to the President could also be a significant factor.
“I think the reason Fashola is not in this government, two reasons. I think Fashola himself has a bit of fatigue, more importantly, I think there are people around the president who don’t want to see Fashola because Fashola is not going to tolerate many of those things that you are seeing around,” Akande said.
Why Some People Around Tinubu May Not Want Fashola
Akande argued that Fashola’s reputation for standing by his principles could make him unpopular with some individuals within the current administration.
He described the former minister as someone who does not compromise on his convictions and is unwilling to tolerate practices he considers unacceptable.
According to Akande, Fashola’s disposition may explain why some people around Tinubu would prefer that he remain outside the government.
“Whatever you say about Fashola, he doesn’t take nonsense and the people who wanted to get some nonsense going, they didn’t want Fashola,” he added.
Akande’s comments suggest that, beyond Fashola’s possible personal fatigue, internal political considerations may have influenced his absence from the current administration.
However, his remarks reflect his assessment of the situation and do not independently establish that members of Tinubu’s inner circle deliberately blocked Fashola’s appointment.
Fashola’s Political Background
Fashola served as governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015 before becoming Minister of Power, Works and Housing under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He later served as Minister of Works and Housing until the end of the Buhari administration in 2023.
His experience in Lagos politics and at the federal level has made him a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari as president in May 2023, formed a new cabinet after taking office. Fashola was not appointed to the cabinet.
Akande’s latest comments have drawn attention to possible political considerations surrounding Fashola’s absence from the administration, particularly the suggestion that his perceived unwillingness to tolerate certain practices may have influenced the situation.
While Akande identified two possible explanations, he did not provide specific examples of the alleged practices or identify the individuals he believes opposed Fashola’s inclusion in the government.
