Calm Down, No Power Tussle Between Obafemi Hamzat and Tayo Ayinde
Obafemi Hamzat and Tayo Ayinde, two names that are invested with political power in Lagos State and its environs, and have been speculated to collide in the halls of power – with one name attempting to drown out the other. Of course, the bearers have nothing less than cordial towards each other, which begs the question: how is it that their names have been played against each other from time to time, with the implied underlining of a power tussle?
To attentive Lagosians, Obafemi Hamzat occupies the enviable position of Deputy Governor of Lagos State. Dr. Hamzat was formally educated at various levels, to which he possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, a graduate degree in Agricultural Engineering, and PhD in System Process Engineering at Cranfield University, England. A fine education.
His career path has seen him thrive in consultancy and strategy establishments, before he eventually delved into politics. From being the Commissioner for Science and Technology to being Deputy Governor, Dr. Hamzat has proved himself a competent chap with a predilection for consistency and measurable development.
Tayo Ayinde, in his own corner, was also born in ’64 in Ikeja, Lagos. His formal education was impressive enough to earn him a reputable station in the State Security Service (SSS), where he served for 16 years. Thereafter, he was Chief Security Detail to Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he (Tinubu) was the Lagos State Governor.
Fully embracing politics, Ayinde has since flown the APC flag and currently holds one of the high-table positions in the Lagos State government, as chief of staff. As a side note, his was the first appointment which came a few hours afterGovernor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu assumed office.
So, on one hand the Deputy Governor; on another, the Chief of Staff. The two positions afford both Hamzat and Ayinde countless excuses to butt heads and flex political muscles. This anticipated tension has been so long awaited that there is an alleged power tussle stewing in the recesses of Lagos State governance between the two.
Be that as it may, both men have made it a point to dissuade such rumours, elevating instead a united government front. That, regardless of what media bees disperse, is the official report.