The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation has vehemently rejected the characterization of their group as a “far-right” entity, responding to a recent article by columnist Lekan Sote.
The article, published in The Punch on August 7, 2024, criticized the group’s advocacy for indigenous rights in Lagos, likening their stance to far-right movements in other countries.
Sote’s column had pointed to the De Renaissance Patriots’ desire to “develop indigenous culture, use indigenous language, and allow indigenes to reclaim the Lagos government,” associating this with exclusionary politics.
He also referenced historical events, including the excision of Lagos divisions by General Yakubu Gowon, as well as developments in Ikeja and Apapa under Western Region leaders like Obafemi Awolowo.
The group in a statement signed by the Media Office of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, said expressed deep offence at the “far-right” label.
The statement read “as a socio-cultural group of very senior eminent citizens of Nigeria, we find the unguarded use of such vulgar language unacceptable,” the group declared. “We are not far-right in ideological description.”
The foundation argued that the tag tarnishes their moral, social, intellectual, and political efforts.
They suggested that the ruling elites in Lagos, whom they suspect of orchestrating this narrative, are the true architects of a narrow and self-serving agenda in the state.
The De Renaissance Patriots also condemned the alleged linkage between their group and the hashtag #IgbosMustLeaveLagos, a controversial online campaign.
They described the association as “shameful and irresponsible,” emphasizing that their organization is dedicated to promoting social and cultural values and ensuring that Lagos indigenes fully participate in the governance of their state.
While maintaining their non-political stance, the foundation made clear their commitment to fighting policies they perceive as harmful to the indigenous people of Lagos.
They lamented the exclusion of natives from top positions in the state administration, attributing this to a deliberate marginalization strategy by the ruling party.
“Our socio-cultural organisation is a non-political entity but one of mixed nationalistic elements who have contributed to the unity and development of this nation in various sectors,” the statement read.
“We will not fail to respond to reckless and derogatory statements, tyranny, and demagoguery.”
The group also took the opportunity to correct what they saw as historical inaccuracies in Sote’s article.
They recounted the struggle for Lagos State’s creation and the contributions of indigenous leaders who resisted moves to merge Lagos with the Western Region.
The De Renaissance Patriots reiterated their stance on unity and coexistence, welcoming the Igbos and other non-indigenes in Lagos.
They called on security agencies to apprehend those behind the divisive campaigns masquerading as Lagosians.
“We, De Renaissance Patriots, are not far-right in our demands and we welcome the Igbos in our midst,” the statement affirmed.
“The Igbos have the right to live and work in any part of Nigeria and can engage in legitimate business of their own choosing.”
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