Ambode Mourns Mentor, Patriot, and Pillar of Lagos Progress
Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has paid an emotional tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing him as a father figure, a mentor, and a man of uncommon conviction whose support helped reshape Lagos during a pivotal era.
Ambode, who served as governor from 2015 to 2019 under Buhari’s administration, shared a uniquely cordial and respectful relationship with the former president. Though they belonged to the same political family, Ambode’s tribute went beyond party loyalty—it was a reflection of deep personal admiration for a leader he often credited with standing by Lagos in both policy and principle.
Their relationship was marked by strategic collaboration, most notably in the federal government’s approval of key infrastructure projects in Lagos during Ambode’s tenure. One such landmark was the reconstruction and expansion of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road—long regarded as one of the busiest and most neglected gateways into the country. Ambode had lobbied for federal consent to upgrade the road, and it was Buhari who gave swift approval, signaling rare presidential support for a state initiative.
Another striking gesture came when Buhari authorized the handover of the Presidential Lodge in Marina to the Lagos State Government—an asset of historical and political significance. This move was seen not just as a gesture of federal goodwill, but as a sign of Buhari’s trust in Ambode’s leadership and vision for Lagos.
Ambode often praised Buhari for his simplicity, discipline, and zero-tolerance approach to corruption—traits that he said inspired him during his own stewardship of Lagos. Despite political turbulence within their party that eventually cost Ambode a second term ticket, he never publicly criticized Buhari, maintaining a tone of reverence and appreciation.
In his heartfelt message, Ambode described Buhari as a man who governed with a deep fear of God and an abiding love for Nigeria. “He was a just and principled leader who believed in equity, fairness, and the rule of law,” Ambode said. “Even when the political tide turned against me, his fatherly counsel remained calm and respectful. He was a man who rose above personal sentiment.”
The former governor expressed condolences to the Buhari family and prayed for eternal rest for the late president in Al-Jannah Firdaus. He also urged Nigerians to emulate Buhari’s disciplined lifestyle, moral courage, and deep sense of duty to the country.
As the nation continues to reflect on the legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, Ambode’s tribute stands as a personal testament to a relationship forged in service, strengthened by mutual respect, and remembered with deep gratitude.