By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A post on X (formerly Twitter) has triggered heated debate after a user, Ifedayo (JIMCRUZ), criticized plans to install a king and build a ₦1.5 billion palace in Lagos, describing Yoruba people in derogatory terms.
The controversy arose from an invitation card circulating online announcing the unveiling of a palace project for the “Obi of Lagos State,” alongside the celebration of his first Ofala and New Yam Festivals scheduled for September 2025 in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
In his reaction, Ifedayo wrote “What sort of nonsense is this? You want to install a King and even build a palace in someone else’s land. Are these people cursed? Yoruba … are the most stupid set of people ever!”
Heated Reactions on X
The post immediately drew sharp responses. Some users condemned the remarks as insulting and inflammatory, while others resorted to sarcasm and mockery.
One respondent wrote “Do you blame people who insult Yoruba? I can’t even stop laughing.”
Another warned against ethnic provocation “They can’t help themselves, and it seems the only language they understand is deterrence. I hope Yoruba on their payroll are on standby again.”
Ethnic Sensitivities at Play
The uproar highlights long-standing tensions around land, identity, and cultural representation in Lagos—a city often described as Nigeria’s melting pot.
Observers note that social media has increasingly amplified such disputes, where inflammatory comments about ethnic groups frequently trend, deepening mistrust and division.
The Larger Picture
While the planned palace project was intended as a cultural celebration, it has been overshadowed by the fallout from ethnic slurs. Critics argue that the tone of the debate risks aggravating fragile inter-ethnic relations in Nigeria, even as others say it raises legitimate questions about cultural recognition in Lagos.
X Screenshot
