PeakNews Online
Lagos, Nigeria – August 2, 2024: Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned and dismissed reports circulating on social media calling for Igbo people to vacate Lagos and Southwest Nigeria.
The governor’s reaction came through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile.
Social Media Post Sparks Controversy
A post by LagosPedia on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) called for the Igbo to leave Lagos and brace for a massive #IgboMustGo protest scheduled from August 20th to 30th, 2024. The governor’s office quickly responded to this inflammatory message.
Official Statement from the Governor’s Office
“The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X, that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and the Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive #IgboMustGo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024,” the statement read.
“The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive, and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.”
Call for Unity and Investigation
Governor Sanwo-Olu condemned the post as an attempt to sow discord between the Yoruba and other tribes, particularly those who have made Lagos their home. He appealed to residents not to allow any individual or group to create tension in the state.
Sanwo-Olu called on security agencies to investigate the source of the post and bring those responsible to justice. He urged residents to ignore such divisive messages and assured them of his commitment to maintaining peace in Lagos.
Assurance of Continued Peace Efforts
The governor promised to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state. “We will not tolerate any actions or statements that threaten the unity and harmony of our diverse community,” Sanwo-Olu emphasized.
