Reno Omokri, a former presidential assistant and social commentator, has firmly denied that Lagos State is a “no-man’s land,” asserting that only Lagos Island served as Nigeria’s capital.
In an article published on Monday through his verified 𝕏 handle, Omokri addressed what he called the “ignorance” of certain journalists and activists about Lagos’ political system and history.
Omokri contends that it is historically incorrect to believe that Lagos, as a previous capital, belongs to no one and ought to represent the culture of all Nigerians.
Nigeria’s capital was never Lagos State. Yes, the capital of Nigeria used to be Lagos Island. However, the remainder of the state wasn’t,” he said.
“It is just like London,” Omokri said, drawing comparisons to the UK. The City of London and Greater London are not the same thing. Their governments are distinct.
Citing important infrastructure named after notable members of different ethnic groups, the social media critic pointed out that Lagos Island has historically represented Nigeria’s diversity.
Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue and Ahmadu Bello Way are the two main thoroughfares on Lagos Island. “These are billion-dollar waterfront roads that house major institutions and embassies, not little streets,” he remarked.
As further evidence that Lagosians have traditionally accepted national symbols peacefully, he cited the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, which bears the name of a Kano native.
Omokri asserts that Lagos has the right to give its indigenous people priority.
According to Omokri, Lagos State has the constitutional right to establish laws that protect its culture and give preference to its native population, just like any other state.
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“It’s not dishonest. States were initially established by the federal government for this reason. should provide distinct ethnic groups in Nigeria with their own area so that their culture can flourish,” he stated.
“Promoting one’s own heritage is not the responsibility of any state other than one’s own, even though inclusivity is a good thing.”
He compared this to the US, where states are free to take different social and political stances on matters such as LGBTQ rights and abortion.
Omokri tells critics, “Nigeria Has 35 Other States If You Don’t Like Lagos.”
Omokri added that anyone who feels uneasy in Lagos is free to move to another region of Nigeria.
In addition to Lagos, there are 35 additional states in Nigeria. You have choices if you dislike Lagos State or believe it is “smelling,” he stated.
He also urged detractors to examine the facts before condemning, pointing out that the United Nations does not consider Lagos to be the most polluted state or city on Earth.
The former presidential adviser emphasized Lagos State’s history of infrastructure and government, enumerating accomplishments that distinguish the state from others:
Lagos pays more than the minimum wage.
Civil servants are not owed by Lagos.
Lagos provides funding for public transit and education.
Lagos regularly holds LGA elections.
LGA money are not tampered with by the governor.
Lagos has farmers’ markets with subsidies and soup meals.
Lagos has made significant investments in its public infrastructure.
According to TimeOut Magazine, Lagos is the 19th greatest city in the world to live in.
Renaming a Street
Omokri warned against using the present demonstrations in Lagos over the renaming of streets as a pretext for planned unrest.
“It will not be accepted if you wish to use the renaming of streets in Lagos as a pretext for protesting and then use your protest as a means to demolish Lagos,” he said.
In closing, Omokri reiterated that Lagos, like all other states, should have the autonomy to define its own identity free from unwarranted intervention from outside parties or false narratives.
