By Sunday Ani
A group of Lagos indigene under the aegis of the Association of United Lagos State Indigenes, has decried the continuous sidelining of the indigenes of the state in core political affairs of the state.
The group stated this at a recent forum held recently in Ijegun, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
President of the association, Idowu Nawairudeen, lamented that Lagos indigenes were not happy that their state has remained under the firm control of outsiders, who decide the fate of the people.
“We are not happy that since 1999, starting from Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and now Babajide Sanwo-Olu, no indigene has held sway as governor of the state.
“Although some of us have had juicy positions, that cannot be compared with holding the number one position, which is the governor,” he stated.
He noted that Lagos State indigenes were no longer comfortable with the spate of political oppression, suppression, intimidation and victimisation, which according to him, could be seen from the socio economic perspective. “There are sons and daughters of the land, who are well-meaning and educated enough to handle governance at the highest level. Henceforth, all hands must be on deck by our people, including those in the Diaspora, to arrest the ugly situation.”
However, Nawairudeen also commended President Tinubu for considering the long expected state police initiative, which he stressed would make indigenes to be in charge of their areas.
Also in his own contribution, an indigene who attended the meeting said the move was geared towards repossessing the indigenes’ political rights, which had been taken away from them for many years.
“It is just unfortunate that some of our royal fathers have dined too much with their oppressors. I am optimistic that this great association will spark the consciousness that will help us take back our land from the political usurpers.”
Among those who attended the meeting were High Chief Mustapha Abdulkabiru and the Olori Olowo confederation, Mrs. Ipadeola Risikat Seriki.
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