According to Reno Omokri, a former presidential assistant and social commentator, Lagos State is a “no-man’s land.” He asserts unequivocally that Lagos was never Nigeria’s capital—only Lagos Island was.
In a post 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.
The idea that Lagos should represent the culture of all Nigerians because it was once the country’s capital is, in Omokri’s opinion, historically incorrect.
The capital of Nigeria was never Lagos State. Yes, Lagos Island was the capital of Nigeria at one point. The rest of the state, however, wasn’t,” he said.
Omokri explained, drawing comparisons to the UK: “It is just like London.” The City of London and Greater London are two different things. Their regimes are dissimilar.
Lagos Island has always represented Nigeria’s variety, according to the social media commentator, who also mentioned important structures bearing the names of notable members of various ethnic groups.
The two main thoroughfares in Lagos Island are Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue and Ahmadu Bello Way. These are billion-dollar coastal roads that house embassies and important organizations, not little streets,” he noted.
He also cited the fact that Ikeja’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport was named for a Kano native as evidence that Lagos residents had long accepted national symbols peacefully.
According to Omokri, Lagos has the right to give its indigenous people priority.
Omokri maintained that Lagos State, like all other states, is entitled under the constitution to create laws that protect its culture and give preference to its native population.
“It isn’t infidelity. It is why states were initially established by the federal government. “To provide distinct Nigerian ethnic groups with their own area so that their culture can flourish,” he stated.
It is not the responsibility of any state other than one’s own to promote one’s own heritage, even though inclusion is a desirable thing.
This is comparable to the United States, where states are free to take different social and political stances on topics like LGBTQ rights and abortion.
Omokri informs critics that Nigeria has 35 other states if they don’t like Lagos.
Anyone who is unhappy in Lagos is free to move to another region of Nigeria, Omokri added.
Beyond Lagos, there are 35 other states in Nigeria. He stated that if you dislike Lagos State or believe it is “smelling,” you have other options.
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He added that the United Nations does not consider Lagos to be the most polluted state or city on Earth, and he urged those who criticize to do their research before passing judgment.
In highlighting Lagos State’s governance and infrastructure record, the former presidential adviser listed accomplishments that distinguished the state from others:
Lagos provides wages that are more than the minimum.
There is no civil servant debt in Lagos.
Lagos provides funding for transportation and public education.
Regular LGA elections are held in Lagos
Governors don’t meddle with LGA finances.
Supplied farmers’ markets and soup kitchens are available in Lagos.
Public infrastructure in Lagos has been substantially invested in.
Lagos is listed by TimeOut Magazine as the 19th greatest city in the world to live in.
Changing the Name of the Street
Omokri warned against using street renaming protests as a pretext for planned unrest in response to the ongoing demonstrations in Lagos.
It will not be accepted, he said, if you wish to exploit the renaming of Lagos’ streets as a pretext for protesting and then use that protest as a means of destroying the city.
Omokri reiterated in her conclusion that Lagos, like all other states, should be allowed to define its own identity free from unwarranted intervention from outside parties or false narratives.
