Ex-Minister criticizes marginalization of Lagos indigenes in politics. Former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), has raised concerns over the political representation of indigenous people in Lagos State. Speaking to Vanguard, Olanrewaju questioned the mechanisms that determine who represents the state’s indigenes in governance and whether their interests are adequately addressed.
“The question that needs to be answered lies in who stands for the political interest of the indigenes in the affairs of government,” he stated, emphasizing the lack of clarity around qualifications for political office and representation at both the National and State Assemblies.
Olanrewaju argued that, despite the constitutional framework, the unique needs and rights of Lagos indigenes have been overlooked. His comments highlight a broader issue of representation in Nigerian politics, particularly in Lagos, where he believes local voices have been marginalized since the onset of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
“For 25 years, Lagos State has remained the only state in the whole of the federation since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999 that has not been governed by an indigene with the right of blood except once,” he pointed out, calling for a reassessment of how political candidates and appointments are selected.
Olanrewaju criticized existing political parties for systematically excluding indigenes from key positions of power, stating that this exclusion not only affects political representation but also influences policy decisions that impact the local populace. He also dismissed the narrative that indigenous people lack the political acumen to hold office, labeling it as “false” and unsupported by data.
His remarks underscore the need for political parties to reconsider their criteria for candidacy and appointments, ensuring that the interests of local communities are not sidelined.
