The Conference of Indigenous Lagosians (CIL), a socio-cultural organization, has asserted that the welcoming nature of Lagosians should not be misinterpreted as a lack of capable indigenous candidates to lead the state politically. The group is urging native Lagosians to prepare to contest the 2027 governorship election.
According to CIL, since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999, no true indigene has governed Lagos. They expressed dissatisfaction with the marginalization of native Lagosians in the state’s political landscape and called on them to reclaim leadership.
In a statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Barrister Niyi Oginni, and shared with our correspondent, CIL emphasized that indigenous Lagosians have allowed themselves to be sidelined and now must step up to shape the political future of the state.
“Over the years, Lagos State indigenes have been cheated, sidelined, and relegated in their own state. This is no longer acceptable. We are ready to take control,” the statement said.
The group clarified that their stance is not a campaign against non-indigenes or an effort to exclude anyone from Lagos. “We welcome and value the contributions of all residents to our state’s growth,” Oginni explained. “However, we believe that 2027 is the time for an indigene to lead Lagos.”
CIL also questioned why other states in Nigeria are governed by their native people, while Lagos is not. “Is it because we are hospitable?” they asked, warning that their generosity should not be exploited. “It’s time we took charge of our state’s leadership.”
Oginni confidently declared that come 2027, only a true Lagos indigene will occupy the governorship. “We have learned from the past, and enough is enough. No ‘atohunrinwa’ (non-indigene) will be allowed to govern or control Lagos anymore,” he said, while also assuring non-indigenous residents that their interests would be safeguarded. “Everyone has contributed to Lagos’ development, so there’s no need for fear,” he added.
, a socio-cultural organization, has asserted that the welcoming nature of Lagosians should not be misinterpreted as a lack of capable indigenous candidates to lead the state politically. The group is urging native Lagosians to prepare to contest the 2027 governorship election.){kind=link}