The leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has urged Igbo leaders in the state to disregard claims that the Lagos State Government is unfriendly toward southeasterners.
Speaking during a meeting with representatives of the Igbo community at his Ikeja office, Jandor reaffirmed Lagos’ long-standing commitment to inclusivity, peaceful coexistence, and unity among all ethnic groups.
“Lagos is a cosmopolitan hub that has always embraced diversity. We sell our lands to you, which shows how accommodating we are. Lagos was the first state to include non-indigenes in its cabinet. We are all witnesses to this,” he said.
Addressing the growing concerns over recent demolitions in parts of the state, Jandor stressed that the exercise was not ethnically driven but a lawful effort to enforce building regulations and ensure public safety.
“The office of the Ola of Lagos was demolished because it was built under power lines, yet he is a Yoruba man,” he clarified. “The law applies equally to everyone regardless of tribe or background.”
He cautioned the Igbo community against falling for political manipulation rooted in ethnic sentiments, noting that law enforcement remains the guiding principle of governance.
“If a Yoruba person violates the law in another state, it won’t stop that government from acting. The same applies here in Lagos,” he said.
In response, the President General of Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Sunday Udeh, commended Jandor’s assurance of inclusivity and reiterated the Igbo community’s commitment to peace and progress in Lagos.
He highlighted the long-standing partnership between the Igbos and Yorubas, recalling periods of strong collaboration under the administrations of Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.
“Igbos are ready to continue working for the progress of Lagos. I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because, under his tenure as governor, an Igbo man served as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. Our partnership with the Yorubas has always been strong,” Udeh said.
However, he expressed concern over the current lack of Igbo representation in government positions, urging Jandor to help communicate their appeal for inclusion.
“We used to have an Igbo member in the State House of Assembly, a special adviser, and even a commissioner. After the 2023 general elections, we no longer have such representation,” he noted.
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