2027: Lagos State must be governed by its indigenes – De Renaissance Patriots Foundation

By KEMI KASUMU

“We firmly reject any notion that undermines the capacity, competence, and rightful place of Lagos indigenes in governing their own land. Lagos indigenes must not be excluded from determining the political future of their ancestral home.”

A socio-cultural organisation representing Lagos State indigenes, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has reiterated its position that the leadership of Lagos State from 2027 must be in the hands of its indigenous people.

In a statement titled “LAGOS IS NOT AN ORPHAN: A CALL FOR THE RESTORATION OF INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP,” with the rider “Lagos State Must Be Governed by Its Indigenes, Not by Pretendians,” the Foundation emphasized the need for governance that reflects the state’s ancestral roots and heritage.

The statement, released by the Foundation’s Media Office on Thursday, April 2, 2026, addressed ongoing political discussions concerning the future leadership of Lagos State.

The group stated, “At this critical moment, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation finds it necessary to restate a fundamental truth: Lagos State must be governed by its indigenes and not by pretendians.

“Indigeneship is not a mere label. It is a deeply rooted identity anchored in ancestry, history, culture, spirituality, and heritage. It transcends residency, settlement, or duration of stay. Lagos is the ancestral home of the indigenous people of the five historic divisions: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. This connection is profound and cannot be substituted by convenience or political arrangement. Residency cannot replace indigeneship.

“Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, Lagos State has increasingly been treated as a political orphan, with indigenous participation in governance steadily diminishing. With few exceptions, there is a growing perception that indigenous representation at the highest levels has been limited. Across key arms of government, many positions are occupied by non-indigenes, raising concerns about equity, inclusion, and justice for Lagos indigenes.

“This situation has led to the marginalisation of those whose ancestral roots define Lagos State. It is troubling that individuals without clear indigenous roots have occupied significant public offices for extended periods. This raises a fundamental question: Are there no competent and qualified indigenes of Lagos State to serve?

“Recent political discussions have also brought forward names of potential candidates for the 2027 governorship. While acknowledging the public service records of such individuals, the issue at stake remains one of principle, identity, and historical legitimacy.

“We firmly reject any notion that undermines the capacity, competence, and rightful place of Lagos indigenes in governing their own land. Lagos indigenes must not be excluded from determining the political future of their ancestral home.

“De Renaissance Patriots Foundation therefore states unequivocally that the next Governor, Deputy Governor, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly must be indigenes from one of the five recognised divisions: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, or Epe.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this position applies to all political parties presenting candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial election. No party is exempt from this principle of fairness, justice, and historical legitimacy.

“We will continue to advocate peacefully, lawfully, and resolutely for the recognition of indigeneship as a foundational principle of leadership, the protection of indigenous rights in governance, and the restoration of fairness and justice in public institutions.

“Lagos is home to many, but it is not without history, heritage, and identity. Its leadership must reflect those whose roots are embedded in its soil.

“De Renaissance Patriots Foundation therefore insists that the next holders of key public offices in Lagos State must be indigenes. Anything less would amount to continued injustice to the people whose heritage defines Lagos.”