The De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation has raised alarm over what it described as sustained marginalization of indigenous Lagosians and attempts to erode their political and cultural rights through a proposed constitutional amendment currently before the National Assembly.
In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, the group rejected the amendment, which seeks to redefine indigeneship based on birth, prolonged residency, or marriage, rather than ancestry and historical ties to land. The Foundation warned that the proposal, if passed, would undermine the constitutional rights of indigenous peoples across Nigeria, with Lagos State being the most affected.
“Indigeneship is a matter of heritage, not habitation,” the group declared, adding that the proposal was a direct threat to the identity and dignity of indigenous communities and could lead to ethnic disenfranchisement and conflict.
Non-indigenes dominate Lagos governance, Group alleges
The group also decried what it called “25 years of political exclusion” of indigenous Lagosians since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. According to the statement, over 70 percent of leadership positions across the executive, legislative, and civil service arms of government in Lagos are held by non-indigenes.
“Lagos State is the only state in the federation where such political aberration is entrenched,” the group said. “The resurgent ambition of our Yoruba neighbours to usurp the rights, benefits, and opportunities meant for indigenes is unacceptable.”
It demanded that all major elective and appointive positions in the state—including Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the House, Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, and Chief Judge—be occupied by indigenous Lagosians from the five divisions known as IBILE: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe.
Criticism of local government elections, House crisis
The Foundation also criticized plans to conduct elections in 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), labeling them as unconstitutional. It called on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to restrict elections to the 20 constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs) until the LCDAs are properly ratified.
The ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly also drew criticism. The group condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged interference in reinstating Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, despite opposition from 36 out of 40 members of the House.
“In Rivers State, the President respected the will of the majority, but in Lagos, the reverse is the case. This double standard is unacceptable,” the statement read.
It also cited the case of Hon. Meranda, a female indigene of Lagos who was reportedly denied the opportunity to become Speaker due to her background, calling it a clear case of political bias.
Concerns over monarchs’ security
The Foundation expressed concern over reports that security details attached to two prominent Lagos monarchs—Oba Oniru and Oba Saheed Elegushi—had been withdrawn.
“If this is true, it is highly condemnable,” the group said, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safety of traditional rulers whose roles are vital to peace and communal harmony.
Quoting the United Nations
The group referenced a recent statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who reaffirmed the non-negotiable rights of indigenous peoples and called for implementation of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Demands and call to action
In its concluding remarks, the De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation urged all indigenous Lagosians to unite in defense of their ancestral land and political rights.
The group made five specific demands:
- Immediate halt to unconstitutional actions regarding local government elections in Lagos.
- Rejection of the proposed indigeneship amendment by the National Assembly.
- Non-interference by the federal government in Lagos State legislative affairs.
- Restoration of security to traditional rulers if withdrawn.
- Protection of Lagos State from any politically motivated declaration of emergency.
“The acronym IBILE must not become a historical relic. It is a living identity that must be preserved,” the group asserted.
