The Renaissance Patriots Foundation has rebuked President Bola Tinubu over his alleged marginalisation of Lagos indigenes regarding political appointments in the state.
In a letter signed by a retired major general, Tajudeen Olanrewaju, the group decried the “systemic marginalisation” of the indigenes.
The RPF said it was a slap in the face for Mr Tinubu to ask Bisi Akande, an Osun indigene, and Gbenga Osoba (from Ogun) to resolve the internal crisis of the Lagos parliament.
“The interference of political figures from other states in Lagos governance is unacceptable and raises critical concerns about local autonomy,” stated the group.
It called Messrs Akande and Osoba “colonial chiefs” living off the patrimony of Lagos and becoming replacements to “toothless traditional rulers,” whose persistent interference may lead to the resignation of “democratically-elected” Speaker Mojisa Meranda.
Citing another example of marginalisation, the group alleged that Jumoke Oduwole, an Ogun indigene, was given a Lagos slot.
“Similarly, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, whose family origins trace back to Oyo state, has been appointed as director-general of NOTAP, under the guise of Lagos representation,” stated RPF.
The group noted that the alleged federal marginalisation was also replicated at the state level, where at least 17 of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s former and current appointees were non-indigenes.
Folasade Adefisayo, Idris Salako, Kabiru Ahmed, Frederick Oladeinde, and Sam Egube were identified among the non-indigenes who served as Lagos commissioners.
The group also mentioned the “brazen” case of James Faleke, a House of Representatives member for the Ikeja constituency, who sought unsuccessfully to be Kogi’s governor.
The RPF pointed out that Mr Faleke’s return to the federal parliament as a Lagos lawmaker months later was proof that the rot of marginalisation of Lagos indigene runs deeper than perceived.
The group stated that Yinka Akande (son of the former Osun governor) is the managing director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and his daughter
Funmilayo Jakande-Mohammed is the current chair of the Apapa/Iganmu LGA.
The RPF demanded an immediate revocation of appointments of all non-indigenes and that 90 per cent of local government chairpersons be indigenes.
“President Tinubu has attained the highest political office in Nigeria. It is time to let Lagos indigenes govern themselves,” the group declared.
