Former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd), has announced plans to ensure that non-Lagosians do not secure elected positions in the upcoming 2027 elections. As Alternate Chairman of the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, Olanrewaju expressed concerns that current political parties in Lagos deny indigenes the opportunity to hold significant political roles.
He highlighted a perceived conspiracy among the ruling elite, predominantly non-indigenes, to permanently capture Lagos State’s political landscape. Olanrewaju questioned who truly represents the interests of Lagos indigenes in government, emphasizing that despite constitutional provisions, the state’s leadership has largely been non-indigenous for 25 years, with very few exceptions.
“The existing political parties consistently deny indigenes the chance to occupy important positions, falsely claiming that the indigenous population does not support them,” he stated. He argued that the struggle for control over Lagos’s resources is fierce due to its economic significance, yet this should not invalidate the right of indigenes to govern.
Olanrewaju criticized the current political framework, noting that approximately 60% of representatives at various government levels are non-indigenes, which he believes marginalizes Lagos indigenes. He expressed frustration over how the constitutional freedoms of movement and residency are exploited, resulting in political offices typically reserved for indigenes being filled by those claiming dual citizenship.
He further pointed out that the current political landscape has led to disillusionment among indigenes, as they feel increasingly excluded from decision-making processes. Olanrewaju warned against the risk of “genocide by migration” as resident non-indigenes aim to capture Lagos politically and deny indigenes their rights.
He concluded by condemning the practice of nominating candidates with dual state origins for Lagos, calling it a betrayal and a disrespect to the true residents of the state.