On Friday, a Lagos-based socio-cultural group, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, appealed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to suspend the approval of two ambassadorial nominees listed as representatives of Lagos State, claiming they are not indigenes.
In a petition signed by the Foundation’s President, Mr Miftau Bolaji Are, and steering committee member Dr Lateef Onikoyi, the organisation contended that the nominations breach principles of fairness, constitutional equity, and the federal character doctrine.
The Foundation claimed that one of the nominees originates from Delta and Kwara states, but was presented as representing Lagos.
The group stated: “Lagos is uniquely disadvantaged as ambassadorial and other federal appointments intended for its people are regularly given to non-indigenes. This represents a continual injustice.
“The recent ambassadorial nominations for Lagos State have deepened this problem. Mrs Lola Akande, nominated as a Lagos representative, is not a Lagos indigene. She is known to come from Delta and Kwara states and is the sister of the First Lady.
“The second nominee is also not an indigene of Lagos State. Alarmingly, he has publicly questioned the very existence and legitimacy of indigenous Lagosians.
“Such comments are not just dismissive but deeply disrespectful to the original inhabitants of Lagos. This nominee is Femi Pedro, who is from Ogun State.”
“This practice violates both the spirit and the letter of the federal character principle, disrupts constitutional balance, and undermines the rightful status of Lagos indigenes within Nigeria’s federation. Worse, it sets a dangerous precedent that the rights of one indigenous group can be disregarded without repercussion.
“This issue goes beyond Lagos. It is a national matter of fairness, justice, and constitutional integrity.
“We, therefore, respectfully urge the Senate, under your esteemed leadership, to withhold confirmation of any nominee claiming to represent Lagos who is not a genuine indigene of the state.
“We seek no special treatment, only the fairness afforded to every other state without dispute.
“We believe in your dedication to justice, equity, and the preservation of national unity. We are confident that under your guidance, the Senate will uphold the dignity and constitutional respect due to Lagos, as it does for all states of the federation.
“We stand ready to present ourselves before the relevant Committees whenever called upon.”
