A Call for Indigenous Solidarity.
The De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation strongly condemns the persistent discrimination against the indigenous people of Lagos State, considering it unconstitutional and a deliberate effort by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to diminish the presence and influence of Lagos indigenes. This systematic replacement of the indigenous population with settlers appears to be an orchestrated attempt to redefine Lagos as a “no man’s land,” undermining its true heritage and original inhabitants.
Lagos State has historically belonged to a distinct indigenous group with deep-rooted cultural and historical ties to the land. However, recent political developments indicate a blatant disregard for the rightful representation of these indigenes. Rather than ensuring equity and fair inclusion, President Tinubu continues to appoint non-indigenes to positions that should rightfully be held by Lagosians.
Evidence of Marginalization
Recently an insulting disregard for Lagos indigenes came to the fore with the invitation of Chief Bisi Akande (Osun State) and Chief Olusegun Osoba (Ogun State) by President Tinubu to intervene in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis. This same Pa Akande is grappling for political breath in his home state Osun, with his party losing to Governor Adeleke due to unresolved internal political crises but quick in resolving political issues in Lagos State because his children Akande Funmilayo and Yinka Akande are seriously benefiting from as Local Council Chairman and Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone respectively.
The involvement of Pa Akande and Chief Segun Osoba might result to a forced resignation of Speaker Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, despite her democratic election by 32 out of 39 House members and re – affirmation by 38 members via a vote of confidence. The interference of political figures from other states in Lagos governance is unacceptable and raises critical concerns about local autonomy.
The new colonial masters from Osun and Ogun State now double as colonial chiefs who had been living off the patrimony of our dear state, Lagos State. They are replacing the ineffectual GAC and toothless traditional rulers.
What we know as a fact is that, the Assembly members are mature enough to select who they want, and the method of selecting the speaker is listed in the constitution.
Would President Tinubu or his nominees at the helm of the NASS allow interference from the hallowed chamber of Abuja and outside it.
When are we going to see the end of this oligarchy with their colonial mentality. The sunrise of liberty will soon become a silver lining. Let’s wait and see and Lagos shall be free.
Another glaring example is the recent appointment of Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as a substantive Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Lagos State. Dr. Oduwole, daughter of the late Professor Afolabi Olumide, the first Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, has consistently identified as an indigene of Ogun State. Despite this, her appointment was orchestrated through questionable political maneuvering, facilitated by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni , raising serious concerns about the integrity of such nominations.
Similarly, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, whose family origins trace back to Oyo State, has been appointed as Director-General of NOTAP under the guise of Lagos representation. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, originally from Osun State, has also been allocated a federal portfolio as a representative for Lagos State.
The list extends further, with numerous non-indigenous individuals occupying strategic government positions at the federal level and within Lagos State. Meanwhile, qualified Lagos indigenes are sidelined in favor of individuals from neighboring states, highlighting a pattern of exclusion.
Violation of Constitutional Provisions.
The Nigerian Constitution under Section 147, Section 14 (3) and the relevant provisions of the Federal Character Commissions Act explicitly state that each state must be represented in the Federal Executive Council by an indigene of that state and forbid the domination of one ethnic group over the other.
However, in Lagos State, this principle has been repeatedly violated. The contrast is striking when compared to states such as Kano, Edo, Borno, and Imo, where only true indigenes are appointed to represent their respective states.
A historical precedent further underscores this issue. In 2007, during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Segun Aganga, an indigene of Edo State, was appointed as Minister representing Lagos. Upon completing his tenure, he realigned with his home state, leaving Lagos without any long-term benefit. This pattern continues today, as individuals without ancestral ties to Lagos exploit its opportunities while its true indigenes remain marginalized.
Continued Exclusion at the State Level
Within the Lagos State administration under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a significant number of non-indigenes have held and continue to hold key cabinet positions. Some of these include:
– Gboyega Soyanwo – Deputy Chief of Staff (Late)
– Folashade Adefisayo – former Commissioner for Education
– Idris Salako – former Commissioner for Physical Planning
– Kabiru Ahmed – Former Commissioner for Waterfront & Infrastructure
– Gbenga Omotosho – Commissioner for Information & Strategy.
– Frederick Oladeinde – former Commissioner for Transportation
– Aramide Adeyoye – former Special Adviser for Works & Infrastructure
– Lola Akande – Former Commissioner for Commerce & Industry
– Sam Egube – former Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget and now Deputy Chief of Staff.
– Tunbosun Alake (Son of Current Minister of Mines and Steel from Ekiti State) – Commissioner for Innovation & Technology
– Dr. Wale Ahmed – former Commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs (Now in House of Representatives)
⁃ Hon James Faleke left his seat representing the people of the Federal House of Representatives, Ikeja Federal Constituency and moved to Kogi to contest for Deputy Governor and also challenged the Governorship position up till the Supreme Court level and later returned back to Lagos to still continue as a member of the House of Representatives.
⁃ Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan Yayi also moved from Lagos West to Ogun West which while still serving as a senator representing Lagos West abandoned his duties and moved the constituency benefits to Ogun West.
⁃ Yinka Akande(son of Chief Bisi Akande former Governor of Oyo State is MD of Lekki Free Trade Zone)
⁃ Hon Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed ( Daughter of Chief Bisi Akande, the same former Governor of Oyo state is the Chairman Apapa/Iganmu Local Council Development Area LCDA)
⁃ Suleiman Oris – Executive Director, Agric Services in the OGUN-OSUN RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ABEOKUTA representing Lagos and not from Lagos State
⁃ Julius Oloro – Executive Director, Engineering with OGUN-OSUN RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ABEOKUTA representing Lagos and not from Lagos State
These appointments and many more further emphasize the systemic under- representation of Lagos indigenes within their own State government, creating a deep sense of disenfranchisement.
A Call to Action
Since 1999, only one Lagos indigene has served as Governor, despite the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) controlling the state for over two decades. Out of nearly 2,500 political appointments made since then, fewer than 500 have been Lagos indigenes, highlighting a clear pattern of exclusion.
To safeguard the heritage and future of Lagos State, we demand:
1. Immediate rectification of unconstitutional appointments– Non-indigenes must not occupy positions reserved for Lagos State representatives.
2. Greater inclusion of true Lagos indigenes in state and federal governance – Appointment processes should prioritize qualified indigenes.
3. Decentralization of political control over Lagos affairs– External political influences from South West states must be curtailed.
4. Greater advocacy and civic engagement by Lagos indigenes – Indigenous voices must be amplified to demand representation and fair governance.
5 We demand that in 2027 and beyond, the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker, Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government and the Chief Judge of the State must be indigenes.
6 We also demand that 90% (Ninety Percent) of the Local Government Chairmen must be indigenous people of Lagos State.
Conclusion:
Lagos belongs to its indigenous people, and they must be given their rightful place in governance. We call upon traditional rulers, intellectuals, business leaders, and community stakeholders to unite in resisting this systemic marginalization.
President Tinubu has attained the highest political office in Nigeria—
it is time to let Lagos indigenes govern themselves.
There are no equity, fairness and justice in Lagos state and troika are not coming with clean handsin Lagos State House of Assembly affairs. This is why they are insisting that Merand has to go despite overwhelming support from 32 out of 39 fellow house members along with their vote of confidence.
Signed:
Media Team
De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation
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