Akinwunmi Ambode: The Tide of Prophecy and a Second Wave of Grace

By Citizen Bolaji O. Akinyemi.

He was not on the political radar.

No noise. No long years of partisan combat. No entrenched political machinery of his own.

Yet, in 2015, he emerged—lifted by circumstance, endorsed by the political establishment, and ultimately pointed to power by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He rode a wave not of his own making—but one that demanded competence, continuity, and technocratic discipline.

And for a moment, the tide carried him.

A Brief Account of Stewardship: The Ambode Years (2015–2019)

As Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode governed with a technocrat’s precision and an administrator’s instinct.

His tenure, though politically truncated, was performance-heavy and structurally impactful.

1. Infrastructure Expansion and Urban Renewal

Ambode accelerated road construction and rehabilitation across Lagos—particularly in previously neglected suburbs.

Network of inner roads opened in Alimosho, Agege, and Ajah corridors

Expansion of major arterials like Oshodi–Apapa Expressway

Transformation of Oshodi into a modern transport interchange hub

He pushed Lagos outward—decongesting the island and activating the mainland.

 

2. Security Architecture Reinforcement

Understanding Lagos as an economic nerve centre, he strengthened security infrastructure:

Deployment of patrol vehicles and surveillance equipment

Support for the Rapid Response Squad (RRS)

Establishment of a more responsive emergency management system.

Crime visibility reduced, and response time improved.

 

3. Transportation Reform and Traffic Management

Ambode took decisive steps in tackling Lagos traffic:

Introduction of lay-bys and traffic redesign in choke points

Strengthening of LASTMA operations

Early groundwork for modern bus reform systems

While not fully institutionalised, his interventions showed clear direction.

4. Power and Independent Energy Projects

He expanded embedded power initiatives:

Independent Power Projects for public institutions

Electrification of public schools and health centres

This reduced reliance on unstable national grid supply in critical sectors.

 

5. Environmental and Urban Aesthetics

Ambode pursued a cleaner, more organised Lagos:

Cleaner highways and improved waste management

Urban beautification—parks, lighting, and landscaping

Revival of public spaces like Ndubuisi Kanu Park

Lagos began to look like a city being prepared—not just managed.

 

6. Financial Discipline and Revenue Growth

With his background as an accountant and former Accountant-General of Lagos:

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) improved

Fiscal discipline was maintained

Capital projects were funded without reckless borrowing

He governed with numbers, not noise.

The Political Undercurrent: Where the Wave Turned

Yet, governance is not just performance—it is political navigation.

And here, the tide shifted.

Ambode’s fall was not due to absence of results—but misalignment with the political currents that produced him.

In 2018, he lost the APC ticket—a rare occurrence for an incumbent governor.

The system that elevated him… withdrew its cover.

Those he was given to—gave him up.

The Prophetic Pattern: Rising Outside the Radar

A pattern has already been established:

First emergence: Unexpected

First ascent: Externally propelled

First fall: Politically induced—not performance-driven

This is not a conventional political trajectory.

It is what you call a Davidic pattern—emergence from obscurity, validation in performance, interruption by power dynamics.

And such patterns rarely end in a single chapter.

The Second Wave: A Tide Forming Again?

Politics, like surfing, is not about controlling the ocean—but reading the wave.

Ambode’s first ride was not self-generated.

His second—when it comes—will demand something deeper:

Political intelligence equal to administrative competence

Coalition sensitivity equal to infrastructural vision

Alignment without loss of identity

Because a skillful surfer is not judged by the wave he meets—

But by how he returns to the water after being thrown off.

Final Reflection

There is often a silence before a second wave forms.

Not every observer sees it.
Not every participant believes it.

But those who understand tides… prepare before the swell appears.

If there is indeed an approaching wave for Akinwunmi Ambode, then the question is no longer about his past performance.

It is about his readiness for the coming wave.

Closing Line

Get your board ready.

Head for the beach.

Because when grace comes the second time—it does not announce itself with noise…

It rises with the tide.