There was mild drama during the launch of ‘Africa Rise and Shine’, a book by Jim Ovia, chairman of Zenith Bank, as Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode rushed to take photograph with his estranged godfather, Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event was held at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos, on Monday.
Aside Tinubu and Ambode, dignitaries that gathered on the podium for a group photo included Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor of Borno, Kashim Shettima; Dr Christopher Kolade, among others.
Initially, Ambode stood in between Messrs Ovia and Kolade.
But as photo journalists started taking shots, the Lagos governor jogged past Ovia, Osinbajo to squeeze himself in between Tinubu and a woman on his estranged godfather’s left side.
The scene elicited cheers, laughter and applause from those on the podium and many other guests.
Earlier, Ambode acknowledged the dignitaries in attendance and stated that he was not prepared to give a speech.
“Actually, I didn’t prepare to come and say anything here. And who am I to speak after the Jagaban has spoken?” he asked.
“But obviously, the truth is, there is no person that has actually gone through the profession of accountancy that would not have had anything to do with Uncle Jim, and that is the truth.”
Ambode and Tinubu have reportedly fallen apart, with the APC leader reportedly working against the re-election of the governor.
Tinubu has allegedly endorsed Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has formally announced his intention to battle Ambode, his principal, for the APC Lagos governorship ticket.
The aspirant is the Managing Director of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC, a parastatal under Lagos State Government.
Sanwo-Olu is also believed to have the backing of Mandate Movement, a group loyal to Tinubu.
