The Lagos state government has unequivocally distanced itself from a recent and controversial social media campaign advocating for the forced relocation of Igbos from Lagos and other states in the Southwest. This campaign was publicized on July 27 through an X user account, @Lagospedia, which suggested that there should be preparations to enforce the relocation of Igbos from August 20-30.
In a firm response, Gbenga Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, released a statement denouncing the campaign as “reckless, divisive, and dangerous.” Akosile emphasized that the Lagos state government does not endorse such sentiments and that Lagos remains a welcoming home for all Nigerian citizens, irrespective of their ethnic origins.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has expressed his concern that this campaign is not only an attempt to stir division among the people of Lagos but also to undermine the longstanding harmony between the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups residing in the state. The governor views the campaign as a deliberate effort to incite discord and disrupt the peaceful coexistence that Lagos has been known for.
The state government has called on security agencies to take immediate action. Akosile has urged for a thorough investigation into those behind the @Lagospedia account and other individuals promoting these divisive messages. The government is pushing for the prosecution of those responsible to prevent further escalation of tensions and to uphold the principles of unity and peace in Lagos.
The statement by the Lagos State government
‘’REJOINDER
The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag
#IgboMustGo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024.
The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.
Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.
The Governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the State, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.
Mr. Governor enjoins Lagosians to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the State.”
This strong stance by the Lagos state government underscores its commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment where all residents, regardless of their ethnic background, can live harmoniously. The government’s response highlights the importance of standing against divisive rhetoric and reinforcing the values of coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
