Why we are rooting for an indigene to be Lagos governor in 2027 — Group

By Adesina Wahab

A socio-cultural organization, the Conference of Indigenous Lagosians (CIL), has declared that the accommodating nature of Lagosians should not be misconstrued as an indication that there are no capable indigenes to lead the state politically.

The group has called on indigenous Lagosians to step up and prepare to contest the 2027 governorship election.

The CIL stressed that no true indigene of Lagos has governed the state since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999. They expressed disappointment that native Lagosians have been sidelined in the state’s political affairs and urged them to reclaim leadership.

In a statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Barrister Niyi Oginni, and made available to our correspondent, the group emphasized that indigenous Lagosians have allowed themselves to be marginalized and must now rise to take charge of the state’s political future.

“Over the years, indigenes of Lagos State have been cheated, demoted, and pushed to the background in their own state. This can no longer be tolerated. We are ready to take over,” the statement read.

The group clarified that their call is not a campaign against non-indigenes or an attempt to exclude anyone from Lagos. “We are welcoming and appreciate the contributions of all residents to the development of our state,” Oginni said. “However, we believe that in 2027, it is time for an indigene to be allowed to govern Lagos.”

CIL further questioned why other states across the country are governed by their authentic indigenes, but Lagos is not. “Is it because we are accommodating?” they asked, cautioning that their hospitality should not be taken for granted. “It is high time we led from the forefront in our own state.”

Oginni confidently stated that in 2027, only a true indigene of Lagos will occupy the governor’s seat. “We have learned our lessons, and enough is enough. No ‘atohunrinwa’ (non-indigene) will be allowed to govern or control the affairs of Lagos State anymore,” he declared.

He also reassured non-indigenous residents that their interests would be protected and that no one would be excluded from Lagos. “Everyone has contributed to the development of Lagos, so there’s no need for fear,” he added.