Bwala Retracts “No Man’s Land” Comment, Affirms Lagos Belongs to Yoruba

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has clarified his earlier remarks describing Lagos as “no man’s land,” insisting that the statement was misinterpreted.

Bwala made the initial comment during an appearance on Arise Television on Wednesday, September 3, while highlighting Lagos State’s role as Nigeria’s economic hub. He said the concentration of federal projects in Lagos should be seen as strategic investment rather than favouritism, a comment that drew public criticism.

In response to the backlash, Bwala took to his official X handle to set the record straight. He emphasized that Lagos has “never been in contention” regarding ownership and reaffirmed that the state culturally, historically, and constitutionally belongs to the Yoruba people. “The unique identity of Lagos as a Yoruba homeland is settled and beyond dispute,” he stated.

Bwala further explained that his intention was to highlight Lagos’ dual identity: while deeply rooted in Yoruba heritage, it also functions as a cosmopolitan hub welcoming citizens from across Nigeria. He compared Lagos to global cities like New York, Paris, and London, noting that it serves as the commercial nerve centre of the nation and provides opportunities for all Nigerians.

He added that his argument on television was focused on the need for substantial infrastructure investment in Lagos to support the social and economic responsibilities the state shoulders for the country. “Such support is not because Lagos is ‘no man’s land,’ but because it is the heartbeat of the nation’s development,” he concluded.