The Conference of Indigenous Lagosians (CIL), a socio-cultural organization, has voiced its determination to encourage indigenous Lagosians to step up and prepare for the upcoming 2027 governorship election. The group emphasized that the accommodating nature of Lagosians should not be interpreted as a lack of capable indigenes to lead the state politically.
In a statement signed by the group’s Secretary, Barrister Niyi Oginni, the CIL expressed disappointment over the sidelining of native Lagosians in the state’s political affairs since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999. They called on indigenous residents to reclaim leadership and 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 organization clarified that their call for increased participation by indigenous Lagosians 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 stated. “However, we believe that in 2027, it is time for an indigene to be allowed to govern Lagos.”
CIL questioned why other states across Nigeria are led by their authentic indigenes while Lagos has not followed suit. “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 asserted that in 2027, only a true indigene of Lagos would 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 reassured non-indigenous residents that their interests would be protected and emphasized 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.