Not a lot of people would remember any democratically elected governor in Lagos State, who spent a term in office, that is if it even exist.
This was the special treatment meted on the former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, despite his very enviable scorecard.
At the tail end of the administration of Ambode, his scorecard looked very impressive, objectively speaking.
Many would remember how he was praised and described as a governor with a difference, having changed the face of Lagos significantly, building various social amenities including good roads, hospitals, flyovers, and what have you. His only undoing was that he stepped on toes, something peculiar with politicians with a liking for the masses.
So in the wake of his ouster in a politically motivated democratic coup, Ambode silently returned to his hometown of Epe, an outskirts town of Lagos State where he was akin to a King due to the level of development he brought there. Yes, as the governor he ensured that the roads in Epe no matter how relevant or irrelevant were tarred.
And so when he returned home, he was given a heroic welcome by his people, who were ready to sacrifice anything for him, even to the extent of going on a rampage when agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), attempted to arrest him on allegations of fraud while in office.
Indeed, Ambode went abroad for a while before returning quietly to Epe, abstaining from politics, only occasionally making statements via his former Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.
However, Ambide would return, and in a big way too, as he quietly stayed in his white bungalow in Epe, minding his business, biding the time to make a grand statement.
The opportunity came recently specifically on Wednesday, June 14, when he turned 60 years and threw a private party not devoid of class, style, and taste, but of noise as he celebrated God for the grace of good health and a prosperous life in general.
Though the ceremony was not an all-comers event, it attracted notables who came to pay homage to him.
Among those who visited Ambode for his 60th birthday was the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Typically, Bolanle Ambode, the wife of the former governor was on the ground to ensure that guests in attendance were given a treat, it was indeed a feast. While the party was not a full coming-out ceremony, there is no doubt that the amiable, chubby, and dark-complexioned Ambode is only bidding time before coming out fully.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor of the State, AKinwunmi Ambode, and his wife, Bolanle Ambode at the Ambode residence during a private ceremony to celebrate the former Governor’s 60th birthday, on Wednesday, 14 June 2023.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor of the State, AKinwunmi Ambode, and his wife, Bolanle Ambode at the Ambode residence during a private ceremony to celebrate the former Governor’s 60th birthday, on Wednesday, 14 June 2023.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Governor of the State, AKinwunmi Ambode at the Ambode residence during a private ceremony to celebrate the former Governor’s 60th birthday, on Wednesday, 14 June 2023.
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