A former Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu during his time as Lagos State governor, Dapo Thomas, has shared how Tinubu managed his administration by relying on a small group of commissioners he trusted the most.
Thomas made the disclosure in a recent account where he explained that Tinubu placed members of his cabinet into different groups based on the level of confidence he had in them.
According to him, only five commissioners belonged to the highest level of trust during the former governor’s administration.
He named the five officials as Wale Edun, Dele Alake, Yemi Cardoso, Rauf Aregbesola and Yemi Osinbajo.
Thomas said he noticed early in the administration that Tinubu handled some commissioners differently, especially when it came to official files that required the governor’s approval.
While many commissioners were expected to submit their files through the Office of the Chief of Staff, those in the trusted group could take their documents directly to Tinubu without facing any complaints.
He explained that other commissioners who ignored the process were often scolded by the governor, while members of the trusted circle enjoyed direct access because Tinubu had full confidence in them.
According to Thomas, many people believed the difference in treatment showed favouritism, but Tinubu saw it as an issue of trust and personal character rather than preference.
The former aide also recalled an occasion when several commissioners gathered in the governor’s office with files shortly before Tinubu was due to travel. They hoped to obtain his signature before his departure.
Thomas said Tinubu became uncomfortable after noticing that many files were being presented to him at once.
The governor reportedly feared he could unknowingly approve something without proper attention if he continued signing documents under pressure.
As a result, he ordered everyone carrying files to leave his office immediately.
Thomas further recounted another incident before Tinubu travelled to South Africa.
According to him, the governor had initially planned to travel with official files so he could continue working during the trip.
However, Yemi Cardoso reportedly advised him against taking the files along.
Although Tinubu first accepted the suggestion, Thomas said he later changed his mind and instructed his driver in Yoruba to return the files to the vehicle, saying no one would be able to influence him while he handled government documents away from the usual environment.
