Lagos Indigenes Decry Systematic Marginalisation Under Tinubu’s Administration
posted 26th February 2025
Lagos Indigenes Decry Systematic Marginalisation Under Tinubu’s Administration
The De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation has raised strong objections against what it describes as persistent discrimination against the indigenous people of Lagos State. The group alleges that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is systematically replacing indigenous Lagosians with settlers, undermining the state's heritage and original inhabitants.
The Foundation claims that Lagos State has historically belonged to a distinct indigenous group with deep-rooted cultural and historical ties to the land. However, it argues that recent political developments indicate a blatant disregard for the rightful representation of these indigenes.
A recent example highlighted by the group was President Tinubu’s invitation to Chief Bisi Akande (Osun State) and Chief Olusegun Osoba (Ogun State) to intervene in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis. The Foundation criticised this move, pointing out that Akande and Osoba hail from other states but have significant political influence over Lagos affairs.
Additionally, the group cited interference in the speakership of the Lagos State House of Assembly, suggesting that external forces are undermining the democratic process. It pointed to cases where political figures from Osun and Ogun States were allegedly dictating leadership decisions in Lagos, raising concerns over local autonomy.
The Foundation also criticised the appointments of non-indigenes to key positions at both state and federal levels, arguing that qualified Lagos indigenes are being sidelined. It referenced constitutional provisions that require states to be represented by their indigenes in the Federal Executive Council.
However, the group pointed out that this principle has been violated in Lagos State, contrasting it with states such as Kano, Edo, Borno, and Imo, where only true indigenes hold federal representative positions.
A notable example highlighted was Dr Jumoke Oduwole, who was appointed as a substantive Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Lagos State despite being an indigene of Ogun State.
The Foundation further listed several government appointments allegedly occupied by non-indigenes, including commissioners and advisers who hail from other states but occupy strategic positions in Lagos. Among those named were:
Gboyega Soyanwo - Deputy Chief of Staff (Late), Fola Shade Adefisayo - Former Commissioner for Education, Idris Salako - Former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Sam Egube - Former Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget
The group also referenced political figures who, despite being elected in Lagos, later relocated to their ancestral states to contest for higher offices, further exacerbating the feeling of disenfranchisement among Lagos indigenes.
The De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation called for immediate rectification of unconstitutional appointments, advocating for: Increased representation of true Lagos indigenes in governance, Decentralisation of political control over Lagos affairs to prevent external dominance, Greater advocacy and civic engagement among Lagos indigenes to demand fair governance.
The group also demanded that by 2027 and beyond, the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker, Head of Service, Secretary to the State Government, and Chief Judge of Lagos must be true indigenes. Furthermore, it called for 90% of Local Government Chairmanship positions to be occupied by indigenous Lagosians.
The Foundation stressed that Lagos belongs to its indigenous people and urged traditional rulers, intellectuals, business leaders, and community stakeholders to resist what it described as systemic marginalisation.
“President Tinubu has attained the highest political office in Nigeria. It is time to let Lagos indigenes govern themselves,” the group stated.
The statement was signed by Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd) and Yomi Tokosi.
