Obi questions ‘no man’s land’ claim about Lagos, says state has its own indigenes

By KEMI KASUMU

Obi questioned how Tinubu and APC supporters, who are largely fellow Yoruba from other South West states, could describe Lagos as a no-man’s land when the state has people who are indigenous to it.

Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has often reportedly questioned the claim by some supporters of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Lagos State is a no-man’s land, insisting that the state has its own indigenous people.

Obi’s question challenges the controversy surrounding the identity of Lagos and the rights of its indigenous population, particularly amid political debates over the status of residents from other parts of Nigeria.

He questioned how Tinubu and APC supporters, who are largely fellow Yoruba from other South West states, could describe Lagos as a no-man’s land when the state has people who are indigenous to it.

The debate over Lagos as a no-man’s land has remained a contentious issue, especially during elections and discussions about political representation, land ownership, cultural identity and the relationship between indigenous communities and other Nigerians living in the state.

While Lagos is home to people from different ethnic groups and regions who have contributed to its economic growth, the state also has established indigenous communities with longstanding historical and cultural ties to the territory.

The controversy raises questions about how to balance the rights and identity of indigenous communities with the constitutional rights of Nigerians to live, work and participate in public life anywhere in the country.

But those, who say indigenes must govern Lagos State from 2027, have assured all Nigerians living in the state that it is only when indigenes are in charge of the political power of the state both indigenous and non-indigenous residents can enjoy themselves doing business.