Your continued imposition of non-indigenes upon us nauseating, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation tells President Tinubu

By KEMI KASUMU

The socio-cultural organization established to make Lagos a better state for its indigenes, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has broken its silence over the current impasse at the Lagos State House of Assembly where Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda is being pressured to step down either for already ousted non-indigenous Mudashiru Ajaiyi Obasa or another person from among allies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would do his bidding.

The group, in a statement released to the press morning of Wednesday February 26, 2025 titled “Exposed: Systematic Marginalization of Lagos Indigenes” with a rider “A Call for Indigenous Solidarity”, looked at the whole scenario especially the aspect of it that it believed portray current political decision makers in the state as anti-indigenes.

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In the statement released by the Media Office of the Group, it was said that “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.”

Believing that land is as important to man as it is to tree, the socio-cultural organization went the memory lane to say that, “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,” it said, adding that it is the most unfair thing that must not continue if peace, unity and development of Lagos State and betterment of its indigenous people as well as residents are of importance to the political deciders.

De Renaissance Patriots Foundation cited some of the things it gave as “Evidence of Marginalization” by non-indigenous power brokers, who tell the indigenes what they can and cannot get of their own patrimony, and brought up the issue where, in spite of the numerous quality based leaders among Lagos State natives, President Tinubu could find no one fitting to resolve the Lagos Assembly impasse except for him to go to Ogun and Osun states essentially to pick former Governor Olusegun Osoba and Former Governor Bisi Akande, respectively, who are now prevailing and mounting pressures on the first female and indigenous Lagosian to be Speaker to step down from the number three office.

“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 40 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 of 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.”

It continued, “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.”