I Was Just a Campus DJ When I Met the Woman Who’d Become My Wife” — Sanwo‑Olu Shares His Story

Today is my birthday.

You probably know me as Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, but long before the cameras, the agbada, and the sirens, I was just a student trying to survive. I want to share a story many people don’t know—a part of my life that shaped everything I’ve become.

I was just a regular UNILAG boy who loved music and was trying to earn small money on the side. DJing was never a serious career for me—it was more like a passion, and a hustle. I used to carry my cassette decks in a bag, a box of carefully recorded mixtapes under my arm, wires tucked in one pocket, and my dreams in the other.

That was my life—lecture halls by day, student events by night. I didn’t need much—just a working sound system, a bit of power, and a crowd ready to dance.

But I had no idea that a night behind the console would lead me to the woman who’d later walk beside me into destiny.

She Didn’t Say Much, But She Smiled Differently

She wasn’t the type to dress loud or enter rooms with noise. In fact, she often stayed in the background. Her name was Ibijoke. She was a medical student—brilliant, focused, and gentle in a way that quieted even the loudest crowd.

The first time I noticed her, she was seated at a corner during one of our department mixers. She had this small group of friends around her, but even in a crowded room, she felt like peace.

Every time I played certain types of songs Fela’s mellow brass lines, Sunny Ade’s smooth guitar, or even a few jazz instrumentals—I’d notice her tapping her fingers lightly on the table. That subtle rhythm. That attention to melody. It struck me.

I wasn’t bold then. Just observant. But music gave me the courage I didn’t have in conversation.

So I made her a tape.

Yes—a literal cassette mixtape. I labelled it “For the girl who listens differently.”

I gave it to her after class one day and didn’t wait around. I just left it in her hands and walked away before I could embarrass myself.

One Tape Turned into Years

A week later, I found a note in my locker:

“Thank you for the music. I listen to it when the world is too loud.” Ibijoke

And that was how it began.

From study breaks to Jaja Hall hangouts… from late-night chats under mango trees to walking her to the health sciences block just to catch five more minutes together.

We didn’t talk about politics or future positions back then. Just life, family, dreams, and how we both wanted to make a difference in people’s lives—me through systems, her through medicine.

Years Later, the Beat Changed—But the Song Stayed the Same

Fast forward to today, and she’s Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo‑Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State. We’ve faced elections, challenges, scrutiny, and service together. But underneath it all is still that quiet bond that began with music.

She’s my best friend, my prayer partner, and the calm that steadies my every step.

Even now, when we sit together alone at night, we play some of those old tracks. Sometimes she still hums softly. And I still watch her tap her fingers to the beat.

If You’re Reading This…

Know this: greatness isn’t just in titles or milestones. Sometimes it’s hidden in the hands you held when you had nothing, the smile that saw your value before the world applauded, and the person who listened to your mixtape and heard your heart.

My name is Babajide Sanwo‑Olu.
It’s my birthday today.
And I’m not celebrating power—I’m celebrating the love story that gave it meaning.

Have you ever met someone who helped shape your destiny quietly, behind the scenes? Who was your “mixtape moment”? Share it. You never know whose life your memory might encourage.