Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos Island was the center of attention on Monday as armed security personnel took charge ahead of the inauguration ceremony of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. The event marked their official swearing-in as the democratically elected 16th Governor and Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
Amidst a slight rainfall, a combination of Nigeria Police, Department of State Security (DSS), and other security agencies were deployed to maintain order and control the surging crowd vying for entry into the venue. With great efforts, the security personnel managed to regulate the eager attendees seeking access to the event.
By 9:58 am, dignitaries and guests had filled the colorful arena, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat.
It is noteworthy that Governor Sanwo-Olu achieved a resounding victory over his opponent, Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2019 Lagos State gubernatorial election held on March 9, 2019. He was subsequently inaugurated as the 15th Governor at Tarawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.
In the latest electoral contest on March 9, 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu emerged as the winner once again, surpassing his closest rival, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), and the third runner-up, Dr. Olajide Adediran of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The official swearing-in ceremony commenced with Deputy Governor Hamzat taking the oath of office, amid cheers from the massive crowd at Tarawa Balewa Square. Governor Sanwo-Olu followed suit, taking the oath at precisely 11:32 am, administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Opeyemi Oke.
As Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat begin their tenure, Lagosians have high expectations for the duo, looking forward to their leadership and the implementation of their plans to further develop and enhance the well-being of the state’s residents.
