Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and head of service Hakeem Muri-Okunola

Lagos State head of service Hakeem Muri-Okunola has refuted claims of a rumoured plot to stop a supposed second term election of governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“I hereby dissociate myself from all publications and innuendoes conveying such plots,” Muri-Olunola said in a statement. “I reiterate my support for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration’s THEMES Agenda – the six-pillar development plan that is the compass for his projects and policies.”

Sanwo-Olu is yet to formally declare his interest to vie for a second term in office as Lagos State governor. He, however, hinted on Channel Television that “if I dare say so, I think that the citizens know what it is they will be missing if they don’t let us continue to wrap up all the things we are doing.”

The Lagos State governor’s ‘delay’ in announcing his decision is perceived by some as an unusual twist if all is rosy between Sanwo-Olu and the political hierarchy in the state.

Already the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said the party would gift Sanwo-Olu its ticket to contest a second term in the eventuality of a fallout similarly to the case of the immediate past Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State said it “remains his (Sanwo-Olu) party of choice in making his next political move, which will be made known in due course to all Lagosians.”

While Sanwo-Olu is yet to express interest to remain in office after four years in office – in 2023, Muri-Okunola, who heads the state workforce, said mischief-makers are behind rumours pitting him against the governor.

“The objective of those behind these publications is obviously to plant a seed of discord between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and me,” Muri-Okunola said.

“Contrary to the statements being published by mischief makers, who are also trying to play the religion card, I am fully focused on carrying out my duties as Head of Service of the Lagos State Government and taking the Public Service to greater heights.”

Sanwo-Olu said he will consult ahead of declaring his interest and “when it is time for us to do all the politicking, we will do it.”