We Won’t Be Part of Western Region — Lagos Indigenes

Indigenes of Lagos State have firmly opposed a proposed bill aiming to reinstate Nigeria’s regional government structure, asserting their refusal to join the Western Region.

Speaking through the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, the group highlighted their stance in a statement from their Media Office. The statement, issued by Adelani Adeniji-Adele, expressed deep concerns about the bill, which seeks the National Assembly’s approval to revert Nigeria to a regional system, stating that Lagos State would not be part of the Western Region.

Adeniji-Adele remarked: “This bill represents an ominous sign for us from Lagos State. It appears to be another attempt to submerge our aspirations into a larger group, which contradicts our beliefs as Lagos indigenes. There were no extensive consultations on this matter to determine if this is something we desire. Such assumptions cannot be made without our consent.”

He further emphasized the historical context, noting that since Lagos and its environs became a colony, the preference has always been for a stand-alone status, distinct from any Western Region or Province. The statement pointed out that various Indigenous groups in Lagos have consistently felt marginalized by their South West neighbors, who allegedly view Lagos as “spoils of war.”

Highlighting over a century of history, Adeniji-Adele stated that Lagos indigenes have not seen progress or development as part of any region, particularly the Western Region. The brief period during which Lagos was part of the Western Region was described as an aberration.

The group demanded a referendum to accurately reflect the wishes of Lagos residents regarding the bill. They reiterated their historical opposition to such regional integration, citing resistance from leaders and traditional rulers since 1953, with respite gained in 1967. The statement declared, “We, the offspring of our heroes’ past, will not accept it.”

The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation urged Lagos representatives in the National Assembly to consult elder statesmen and stakeholders before taking any action on the bill. They stressed that this issue transcends political and state government affairs, concluding, “Lagos State cannot be brought into nothingness through the South West Region proposal by this bill surreptitiously. The old cry of our struggle during colonial rule still stands.”