Lagos Belongs to All Nigerians, Not a Tribal Domain — Bolaji Akinyemi Highlights the Lawful Igbo Presence

Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, a respected Yoruba elder and democrat, has issued a strong rebuttal to the divisive claims published by the so-called Yoruba Elders Progressive Council (YEPC) regarding the Igbo presence and property ownership in Lagos. In a comprehensive response, Akinyemi underscores that Lagos is a federated state of Nigeria governed by constitutional law, not ethnic dominion.

He clarifies that the Igbo community’s residency, work, and property acquisition in Lagos are lawful rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Akinyemi warns against viewing these actions as provocative or threatening, noting that such ethnic hostility once fueled the civil war and must not be revived. He condemns the criminalization of Igbo land ownership as a warped perspective that unfairly demonizes commerce and development.

The call to reduce land ownership tenure for non-Yorubas and to revoke certificates based on “lineage” is described by Akinyemi as illegal, unconstitutional, and xenophobic. He stresses that citizenship, residency, and legality—not “ancestral ownership”—define property rights under the law. The Yoruba Elders’ proposals are likened to dangerous ethnic supremacism that threatens to turn Lagos into a field of ethnic conflict.

Akinyemi highlights the rich history of Lagos as a cosmopolitan city built by diverse peoples including Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas, and others. He reminds that Lagos has historically welcomed contributions from all and that the Igbo are active stakeholders who pay taxes, run businesses, and participate fully in civic life. Any attempt to treat the Igbo as “guests” or strangers is dangerous and unpatriotic.

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He calls on Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to categorically dissociate his administration from anonymous hate-filled publications and to reject the toxic politics of tribalism. Akinyemi urges the media, civil society, and Lagos lawmakers to publicly repudiate such exclusionary narratives and to uphold unity, constitutional rights, and fairness.

Citing revered Yoruba leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Akinyemi reminds Nigerians that Nigeria’s unity was Awolowo’s lifelong mission—one that rejects exclusion and hatred. The time to act against tribal madness masquerading as policy is now, he asserts, lest Lagos descend into chaos. This passionate plea reaffirms that Lagos, as a land of law, belongs equally to all Nigerians regardless of ethnic origin.