The leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has appealed to Igbo leaders in the state to disregard narratives suggesting that the Lagos State Government is hostile toward southeasterners.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of the Igbo community at his office in Ikeja, Jandor reaffirmed that both the people and government of Lagos remain deeply committed to inclusivity, peaceful coexistence, and unity among all ethnic groups.
He described Lagos as a cosmopolitan hub that has always embraced diversity and non-indigenes, noting that its history reflects openness and hospitality.
“We sell our lands to you, which shows how accommodating we are. Lagos was the first state to include non-indigenes in its cabinet. We are all witnesses to this,” he said.
Addressing growing concerns over the recent wave of demolitions in some parts of the state, Jandor clarified that the exercise was not ethnically motivated but rather a lawful effort to enforce building regulations and ensure public safety.
“The office of the Ola of Lagos was demolished because it was built under power lines, yet he is a Yoruba man,” he explained, stressing that the law applies equally to everyone regardless of tribe or background.
He cautioned members of the Igbo community not to allow political actors to exploit ethnic sentiments for personal or partisan gains, adding that adherence to the law is the only standard that governs government actions.
“If a Yoruba person violates the law in another state, it won’t stop that government from enforcing its rules. The same applies here in Lagos,” he added.
In his remarks, the President General of Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Sunday Udeh, reaffirmed the Igbo community’s commitment to peace, unity, and the progress of Lagos State. He recalled the strong history of collaboration between Igbos and Yorubas dating back to the administrations of Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.
“Igbos are ready to continue working for the progress of Lagos. I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because, under his tenure as governor, an Igbo man served as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. Our partnership with the Yorubas has always been strong,” Udeh said.
He, however, expressed concern about the current underrepresentation of Igbos in government, noting that the community had previously held key positions.
“We used to have an Igbo member in the State House of Assembly, a special adviser, and even a commissioner. After the 2023 general elections, we no longer have such representation. We want you to help us convey this message to the appropriate authorities,” he appealed.
