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By Dapo Akinrefon
Retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, a former Minister of Communications, has revealed plans to prevent non-Lagosians from securing elected positions in the 2027 elections. As the Alternate Chairman of the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation in Ikorodu, Lagos, Olanrewaju criticized the dominance of non-indigenes in key political positions within the state.
He expressed frustration that political parties in Lagos often deny indigenes opportunities to hold critical offices during elections. Olanrewaju also alleged a conspiracy by the ruling elite, many of whom are non-indigenous residents, to permanently control Lagos State—a situation his group intends to challenge in 2027.
Olanrewaju stated, “The key question is, who truly represents the political interests of Lagos indigenes in government? Who decides who qualifies to represent Lagos in the National and State Assemblies, and who fills the quota for appointments, both within and outside the state? While some may argue that this is dictated by the Constitution, it does not explain why Lagos, since 1999, remains the only state in Nigeria where an indigene has rarely governed, except on one occasion.”
He continued, “Political parties frequently overlook the state’s indigenes for key positions during elections and in governance, claiming falsely that the indigenous population is not in their favor, without any data to support this.”
Olanrewaju also pointed out that Lagos, due to its economic standing and level of development, attracts intense competition for control, leading to the marginalization of indigenes. He further argued that a significant portion of the state’s political representation—about 60%—at both the National and State Assemblies is occupied by non-indigenes.
Highlighting what he called a “conspiracy” to disenfranchise Lagos indigenes, he added, “It is only in Lagos that positions, appointments, and nominations, which should be reserved for indigenes, are given to those claiming dual states of origin, simply because they live in the state.”
He noted that the ruling elite’s focus on political self-interest has relegated indigenes to the sidelines, leading to growing disillusionment and agitation among the native population. “The objective of non-indigenous residents is to capture Lagos politically and deny its indigenous people their rightful privileges.”
Olanrewaju emphasized that Lagos indigenes should not be subjected to political domination by non-natives due to migration patterns and urged the state’s political parties to prioritize indigenous candidates. He encouraged Lagosians to contest various political positions and not be intimidated by external influences.
In closing, he stressed the importance of advocating for the rights and dignity of Lagos indigenes, urging them to stand firm for what is just, even if it means standing alone.
