We Don’t Have Problem With Igbo, But Yoruba Non Indigene Pretending As Lagosians
Lagos Group Criticizes Non-Indigenous Yoruba and Their Influence
The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, representing Lagos indigenes, clarified on Tuesday that their concerns are not with the Igbo community but with Yoruba individuals from other South-West states who are perceived as Lagos indigenes.
Mr. Miftah Bolaji Are, President of the group, voiced these concerns during a visit to Ikorodu, expressing frustration over non-indigenous South-Westerners holding significant positions in Lagos. Are stated that the group will no longer accept individuals misrepresenting themselves as Lagosians to gain influence or control.
“We have no issue with the Igbo community. Our concern lies with South-Westerners who are not originally from Lagos but claim to be,” Are said. “If there are accusations about the Igbo taking over Lagos, why are the real issues about land and property allocation linked to those who are not indigenes of Lagos? The problem is not with the Igbo, but with South-Westerners unjustly trying to dominate Lagos.”
Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd), who is also the Alternate Chairman of the group’s Board of Trustees, criticized the practice of claiming dual indigeneity, which he argues is against the law. He pointed out that non-indigenes often occupy key political positions, which he believes undermines the rights and privileges of Lagosians.
Olanrewaju emphasized that important political and administrative roles in Lagos are frequently held by individuals with dual state origins, which he sees as a misuse of the state’s resources and an infringement on the rights of true indigenes. He cited examples like Senator Solomon Adeola, who represents Ogun State in the Senate while holding a Lagos slot, as evidence of this issue.
The group advocates for a full-time Minister for Lagos, rather than a Minister of State, and stresses the importance of ensuring that Lagos indigenes are not overshadowed by the influx of non-indigenous settlers. They call for fair representation and respect for the rights of Lagosians amid ongoing migration and political maneuvering.
