The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural group advocating for the rights of Lagos indigenes, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of systematically sidelining Lagos natives in political appointments and governance.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, titled “Exposed: Systematic Marginalization of Lagos Indigenes” with a rider
“A Call for Indigenous Solidarity,” the group expressed concerns over what it described as the imposition of non-indigenes in key political positions in the state.
The group particularly condemned the alleged pressure on the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, to step down in favor of either the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, or another candidate aligned with Tinubu’s political interests.
According to the statement signed by its media office, the foundation described the ongoing political maneuvers as an “orchestrated attempt to redefine Lagos as a no man’s land” while systematically replacing indigenous representation with non-indigenous appointees.
“Rather than ensuring equity and fair inclusion, President Tinubu continues to appoint non-indigenes to positions that should rightfully be held by Lagosians,” the statement read.
The group pointed to the intervention of former governors Bisi Akande (Osun) and Olusegun Osoba (Ogun) in the Lagos Assembly crisis as further proof of external interference in the state’s affairs.
“It is an insult to Lagos indigenes that Tinubu had to invite Chief Akande and Chief Osoba to resolve a crisis in Lagos. The Assembly members are mature enough to select their own Speaker without interference from outside forces,” the statement added.
Appointments Favoring Non-Indigenes
De Renaissance Patriots Foundation also accused Tinubu of giving key political appointments meant for Lagos representatives to individuals from other states.
The statement cited the appointment of Dr. Jumoke Oduwole as a Minister representing Lagos, despite her Ogun State origin, as well as the appointment of Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (Oyo State) as the Director-General of NOTAP and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi (Osun State) in a federal role on behalf of Lagos.
“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,” the group lamented.
The foundation called for unity among Lagos indigenes to resist what it described as an “oligarchy with a colonial mentality,” vowing that the “sunrise of liberty will soon become a silver lining” for Lagos natives.
It remains to be seen how the presidency or the Lagos political establishment will respond to these allegations.
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