By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The anticipated return of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has reignited the controversial phrase: “Lagos is no man’s land.” This phrase, often linked to Lagos residents of Southeast extraction, gained traction during the 2023 general elections when Labour Party’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour was criticized for allegedly being “more Igbo than Yoruba.”
However, political developments before and after the elections seem to reinforce the sentiment. The key leadership positions in Lagos—Governor, Deputy Governor, and Speaker of the House—have been occupied by non-indigenes from Ogun State.
Obasa’s removal over allegations of abuse of office and financial impropriety initially paved the way for Lagos-born Mojisola Meranda to become the first female Speaker. Her emergence was seen by many as a rare moment for Lagos indigenes to reclaim political leadership.
Despite initial support from APC’s Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and lawmakers, recent events suggest a shift in political dynamics. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself an Osun State native who built his political career in Lagos, is reportedly backing Obasa’s reinstatement. This has raised concerns among indigenous groups that Lagosians are being sidelined in their own state.
Retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju has condemned what he describes as a “tyranny on display” in the speakership crisis. He accused the Nigerian police of bias, citing the withdrawal of security details from Meranda while Obasa’s protection was restored without a court ruling.
“If the story is true, this may set into motion an end that nobody can predict,” Olanrewaju warned, adding that Lagos indigenes will resist any attempt to undermine their political relevance.
Observers argue that if Obasa is reinstated, Lagosians owe an apology to Southeast residents who were attacked for saying “Lagos is no man’s land.” They also criticize indigenous leaders for selling out their birthright to external political forces, allowing the ruling APC to allegedly trample on the interests of native Lagosians with impunity.