Lagos Patriots Challenge Ambassadorial Nominations, Demand Justice and Constitutional Balance.
By Headlinenews.news
A major Lagos socio-cultural organisation, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has issued a powerful appeal to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging the Senate to immediately halt the confirmation of two ambassadorial nominees presented as representatives of Lagos State—alleging that neither nominee is an indigene of the state they are meant to represent.
In an open letter released on Friday and signed by the Foundation’s President, Mr. Miftau Bolaji Are, and steering committee member, Engr. (Dr.) Lateef A. Onikoyi, the group condemned what it described as “a persistent injustice” against the indigenous people of Lagos.
The organisation asserts that Lagos remains the only state in Nigeria where ambassadorial and other federal appointments meant for its indigenes are consistently assigned to non-indigenes, a practice they argue undermines constitutional principles and national cohesion.
The Controversial Nominees
The Foundation specifically named one nominee, Mrs. Lola Akande, alleging she is from Delta and Kwara States despite being listed as representing Lagos. The group also raised concerns about the second nominee, claiming that he had previously questioned “the very existence and legitimacy of indigenous Lagosians.”
According to the letter, the nominee reportedly wrote on a public forum:
> “Awon wo ni omo Eko na, melo ni won papa?”
(“Who are these so-called Lagos indigenes, and how many are they anyway?”)
The group described the remark as “deeply offensive, dismissive, and unfit for anyone seeking to represent Lagos internationally.”
A Historical Pattern of Marginalisation
This petition marks yet another chapter in the long-standing struggle of indigenous Lagosians to secure representation proportional to their historical and constitutional rights.
Despite being Nigeria’s economic nerve center—contributing over 55% of national VAT, 60–70% of non-oil revenue, and hosting the nation’s most diverse population—the indigenous communities of Lagos (Awori, Ogu, Ijebu, Ilaje, Isheri, Eko) have repeatedly complained of structural sidelining, especially in federal appointments.
In contrast, states with far smaller populations and economic contributions often enjoy uninterrupted, indigene-based representation in federal postings, including ambassadorial slots.
The Constitutional Argument
The Foundation’s position is rooted in key constitutional provisions:
● Federal Character Principle (1999 Constitution, Section 14(3))
> “The composition of the Government of the Federation… shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and foster national loyalty.”
Assigning Lagos slots to non-indigenes—repeatedly—violates both the spirit and letter of this clause.
● Equality of States in Representation
The Constitution guarantees that every state must be represented fairly in federal appointments.
When non-indigenes consistently occupy positions meant for Lagos, Lagos effectively loses its rightful seat at the table.
● Precedent in Other States
No state in Nigeria—whether Kano, Enugu, Rivers, Borno, or Katsina—tolerates non-indigenes occupying ambassadorial slots allotted to them. The practice is unique to Lagos, and indigenous groups argue it sets a dangerous national precedent.
Comparative Analysis: Why Indigene Representation Matters
Globally, diplomatic representatives are strategically selected to reflect the cultural, historical, and socio-political identity of their regions.
Countries such as India, Canada, Kenya, and South Africa maintain strict regional balance when appointing envoys, ensuring indigenous communities are represented internationally.
For Nigeria, where ethnic harmony is fragile and political legitimacy often hinges on a sense of inclusion, appointing non-indigenes to represent a state with a complex historical identity erodes trust and threatens inter-ethnic stability.
“This Is Unfair and Must Stop” — Lagos Patriots Speak Out
The Foundation insisted:
> “Approving nominees who neither belong to nor respect the people they are purportedly nominated to represent deepens long-standing grievances.”
> “This practice violates federal character, erodes constitutional balance, and undermines the rightful place of indigenous Lagos communities in the federation.”
They also stressed that the issue “transcends Lagos”, framing it as a national matter of justice and constitutional order.
A Plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Given President Tinubu’s deep political connections in Lagos, stakeholders say he bears a special responsibility to correct this anomaly.
The group appealed directly to the President:
To uphold fairness and unity
To protect the dignity of indigenous Lagos communities
To ensure that the two ambassadorial slots allocated to Lagos are filled exclusively by Lagos indigenes
To reinforce trust between his administration and ethnic-nationality groups nationwide
With rising tensions and widespread public scrutiny, they warn that failure to act could undermine national cohesion.
Growing Public Protest and National Attention
Indigenous groups across Lagos are rallying in solidarity behind the petition.
Civil society organisations have also weighed in, arguing that the treatment of Lagos indigenes reflects broader issues of identity rights and political equity in Nigeria.
Several national and diaspora-based Nigerian groups have already contacted the Senate, signaling that the global community is watching closely.
A Tipping Point for Nigeria’s Democratic Credibility
This issue tests Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and federalism.
It challenges the Senate, the Presidency, and the ruling APC administration to demonstrate that no group—no matter how politically influential—is above the Constitution.
De Renaissance Patriots Foundation concluded:
> “We seek no special favour, only the same fairness that every other state enjoys unchallenged.”
“We trust the Senate under your leadership to treat Lagos with the dignity and constitutional respect accorded to all states.”
Conclusion: A Moment for Leadership
With the nation observing and tensions rising, President Tinubu and the Senate face a pivotal decision.
Will they uphold the Constitution and ensure Lagos indigenes receive their rightful ambassadorial representation?
Or will the long-standing marginalisation of Lagos’ ancestral communities continue?
As the petition gathers momentum and public pressure intensifies, Nigerians—at home and abroad—await a decisive and just response.
Only swift correction will reinforce unity, uphold constitutional justice, and strengthen the political stability the nation desperately needs.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Publication.
