Lagos Remains Undeniably Yorubaland, Not No Man’s Land – YSDM

*Warns against cultural, political, economic, incursions by non-indigenous groups

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan

The Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) on Friday, declared that Lagos remains undeniably Yorubaland and not a “No Man’s Land.”

Addressing a World press conference in Ibadan through its Deputy Leader (Homeland), Arc. Opeoluwa G. Akinola, YSDM said enough is enough of attempts to alter the historical and demographic character Lagos

YSDM at the press conference, described as “provocative” the planned hosting of a major Igbo cultural event in Lagos in October, urging the organisers to take such celebrations to the South-East, warning that Yoruba people view such activities as subtle attempts to lay cultural and political claims to Lagos.

The Yoruba group warned against what it called political, economic, and cultural incursions by non-indigenous groups, vowing to resist such attempts to alter the historical and demographic character of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

YSDM while emphasizing that Lagos state is an integral part of Yorubaland stressed that the Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s overwhelming victory in the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election “emphatically established who owns the land” and demonstrated Yoruba unity in the face of perceived threats.

“Lagos remains undeniably Yorubaland. This fact must be etched in stone for all ages to discourage revisionists and ill-intentioned individuals who would wish to rewrite history to suit their ambitions.” it said

YSDM added, “Had Labour won Lagos in 2023, it would have been a disaster of unimaginable proportions for Yoruba interests, It was not about party politics but about retaining the Yoruba heritage of Lagos in the hands of its indigenous people.”

Commending Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for introducing legislative measures designed to protect indigenous interests, like conducting Assembly proceedings in Yoruba language alongside English, in line with constitutional provisions; regulating property ownership to limit the tenure of land leases to non-indigenes; and ensuring no market in Lagos is wholly owned by a single ethnic group, particularly those that have allegedly excluded Yoruba traders.

It condemned what it called “unbridled sales of ancestral properties” to non-indigenous buyers, particularly in strategic locations like Lekki, warning that such practices erode long-term cultural and economic control.

Frowning over the control of major commercial hubs like Ladipo Market, Alaba International, and the Trade Fair Complex, YSDM alleged that Yoruba traders face harassment and exclusion in these spaces, adding that there is the need for legislation to ensure that no ethnic group controls more than 40 percent of any market in Lagos.

Calling for the release of Sunday Adeyemo, Igboho, YSDM stressed,

“Igboho has campaigned against the killing, maiming, and kidnapping of Yoruba sons and daughters, yet he remains in exile while those who commit atrocities walk free,”

It then called for the removal of Sunday Adeyemo Igboho’s name from the Nigerian government’s wanted list and the unfreezing of his accounts.