EXPOSED: Systematic marginalization of Lagos indigenes

The De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation strongly condemns the persistent marginalization and exclusion of indigenous Lagosians from political and administrative affairs. This systemic discrimination, driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents an unconstitutional and deliberate attempt to erode the influence of true Lagos indigenes. The continuous replacement of indigenous Lagosians with individuals from neighboring states suggests an orchestrated effort to redefine Lagos as a “no man’s land,” disregarding its historical heritage and original inhabitants.

Lagos State has a rich history and cultural identity, deeply tied to its indigenous people. However, recent political decisions have ignored this reality, favoring non-indigenes in governance and decision-making. Instead of ensuring fair representation and equity, President Tinubu has persistently appointed individuals from outside Lagos to occupy positions meant for its rightful indigenes. This growing exclusion threatens the cultural, economic, and political autonomy of Lagosians and demands urgent redress.

Evidence of Marginalization

A recent blatant disregard for Lagos indigenes was evident when President Tinubu invited Chief Bisi Akande (Osun State) and Chief Olusegun Osoba (Ogun State) to intervene in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis. This decision raises serious concerns about external interference in Lagos affairs.

Chief Bisi Akande, a political figure struggling to maintain relevance in his home state of Osun, was given undue influence over Lagos politics, despite his party’s loss to Governor Adeleke in Osun due to internal political crises. Meanwhile, his children, Akande Funmilayo and Yinka Akande, continue to enjoy Lagos’ political and economic privileges—Funmilayo serving as a Local Council Chairman and Yinka as Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

The interference of Chief Akande and Chief Osoba could lead to the forced resignation of Speaker Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, despite her democratic election by 32 out of 39 House members and a subsequent reaffirmation of confidence by 38 members. Such interference is an affront to democratic processes and local autonomy.

Lagos has become subject to a new form of “colonial rule” by political elites from Osun and Ogun States, who exploit its resources and influence its governance. The once-powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and traditional rulers have been rendered powerless in the face of this external dominance.

The continued subjugation of Lagos under the control of political forces from other states is unacceptable, and the time for change is now.

Appointments That Undermine Indigenous Representation

The pattern of marginalization is also evident in federal appointments. Recently, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole was appointed Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Lagos State. However, Dr. Oduwole, daughter of Professor Afolabi Olumide, the first Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, has long been identified as an indigene of Ogun State. Her appointment, allegedly facilitated by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, further erodes the representation of true Lagosians at the federal level.

Similarly, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, originally from Oyo State, was appointed as Director-General of NOTAP representing Lagos. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi from Osun State, was also appointed to a federal role meant for Lagos.

This pattern extends to other critical government positions, with numerous non-indigenes holding strategic offices both at the federal and state levels. Meanwhile, qualified Lagosians are systematically sidelined, creating a deep sense of disenfranchisement among the indigenous population.

Violation of Constitutional Provisions

The Nigerian Constitution explicitly mandates fair representation in governance.

– Section 147 and Section 14(3) of the Constitution, along with provisions of the Federal Character Commission Act, require that each state must be represented in the Federal Executive Council by an indigene of that state.
– These laws prohibit the domination of one ethnic group over another in political appointments.

Despite these constitutional guarantees, Lagos has continuously been represented at the federal level by non-indigenes.

Other states, including Kano, Edo, Borno, and Imo, strictly appoint true indigenes to represent their states. However, in Lagos, this principle is violated, furthering the systemic alienation of its indigenous people.

A notable historical example is the case of Segun Aganga, an indigene of Edo State, who was appointed as a Minister representing Lagos under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Upon completing his tenure, he realigned with Edo State, leaving Lagos without any lasting benefits. This same pattern continues today, with individuals using Lagos’ opportunities for personal and political gain while indigenous Lagosians remain marginalized.

Exclusion at the State Level

Under the Sanwo-Olu administration, a disproportionate number of key cabinet positions have been given to non-indigenes. Some notable examples 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, now Deputy Chief of Staff
– Tunbosun Alake – Commissioner for Innovation & Technology (Son of Minister from Ekiti)
– Dr. Wale Ahmed – Former Commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs

Further examples include:

– Hon. James Faleke, who abandoned his Ikeja Federal Constituency seat to contest for Deputy Governor of Kogi State and even challenged for the Governorship. After losing, he returned to Lagos and continued as a Representative.
– Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan Yayi, who transitioned from Lagos West to Ogun West, diverting Lagos’ political and economic benefits.

A Call to Action

Since 1999, only one Lagos indigene has served as Governor, despite the APC’s continuous control of the state. Of nearly 2,500 political appointments in this period, fewer than 500** have gone to Lagos indigenes.

To restore equity and fairness, we demand:

1 Immediate correction of unconstitutional appointments – Only true Lagosians should represent Lagos at the federal and state levels.
2 Greater inclusion of indigenous Lagosians in governance – Appointment processes must prioritize qualified indigenes.
3 Decentralization of political control – External interference in Lagos affairs must be curtailed.
4 Increased advocacy and civic engagement – Lagosians must actively demand their rightful representation.
5 By 2027, the Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker, Head of Service, SSG, and Chief Judge must be indigenes.
6 90% of Local Government Chairmen must be indigenous Lagosians.

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 for him to allow Lagos indigenes to govern themselves.

There is no equity, fairness, or justice in Lagos, and the current powerbrokers are not acting with clean hands. Their insistence on removing Speaker Meranda despite overwhelming legislative support exposes their true motives.

The sunrise of liberty is near. Lagos shall be free.

Signed:
Media Team
De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation