The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has firmly rejected a recent call for Igbo residents to leave Lagos, branding the message as reckless, divisive, and dangerous.
The statement, issued by Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, responded to a post by the social media account LagosPedia on X (formerly Twitter), which called for a mass protest under the hashtag #Igbomustgo from August 20 to 30, 2024.
“The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria,” the statement read.
“The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive, and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu condemned the post as an irresponsible attempt to incite discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other ethnic groups, particularly those who have made Lagos their home. He stressed the state’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Nigerians.
The Governor called on security agencies to investigate the individuals behind the inflammatory social media account and ensure they are held accountable. He urged Lagosians to ignore the post and similar messages, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to maintaining peace and harmony in the state.
“Mr. Governor enjoins Lagosians to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the State,” the statement concluded.
