By IDRIS OLUKOYA/BAYO OLAWUNMI

Members of the Lagos State Prominent Indigenes’ Forum have called for equitable political representation for indigenous people of the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

They made the call during a plenary session at a socio-political summit organised by the forum in Lagos on Thursday.

The session is titled, “Political inclusion and equitable representation of indigenous Lagosians”.

Speaking, Mr Fariu Akodu, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Public Service Office, said that indigenous people of Lagos had consistently contributed to the peace, growth and development of the state and deserved equitable representation in governance.

He urged political parties and government at all levels to ensure that indigenes occupy their rightful place in the leadership and governance of the state.

According to him, fairness and inclusiveness should remain the guiding principles in political appointments and elective positions.

“The indigenous people of Lagos are not asking for special privileges; we are only demanding fairness, justice and adequate representation in the governance of our ancestral state.

“Every qualified Lagos indigene should be given an equal opportunity to contribute to the continued development of the state,” he said.

Akodu added that sustainable development could only be achieved when all segments of the state were carried along in governance.

“A government that reflects the diversity and aspirations of its people will enjoy greater public trust, stronger legitimacy and improved service delivery.

“Equity must remain the foundation of our democracy,” he said.

He urged political leaders to preserve the identity, cultural heritage and historical values of Lagos while promoting competence and merit in public service.

“Our heritage must never be sacrificed for political convenience.

“We must protect the interests of indigenous Lagosians while embracing every resident who contributes positively to the growth of the state,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Taoery Coker, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, said that indigenous people should occupy strategic positions in government in recognition of their historical role in building the state.

He said that inclusive governance would strengthen social cohesion and enhance public confidence in democratic institutions.

“Lagos belongs to everyone who lives and works here, but its indigenous people deserve to be visible in leadership and policy formulation.

“Equity promotes unity, while exclusion breeds unnecessary discontent,” he said.

Coker urged political parties to ensure fairness in their nomination processes ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Political parties must provide a level playing field for competent indigenous aspirants.

“Merit, integrity and capacity should remain the deciding factors in leadership selection, ” he said.

Mr Dapo Shitta-Bey, a legal practitioner, said that constitutional democracy required justice, equal opportunity and respect for the rights of indigenous communities.

He said that protecting the interests of indigenous Lagosians was consistent with democratic principles and national unity.

“Equity does not amount to discrimination against others.

“Rather, it is about ensuring that indigenous communities are not marginalised in the political and administrative affairs of their own state,” he said.

Shitta-Bey urged stakeholders to continue engaging in constructive dialogue capable of promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance.

“The future of Lagos depends on dialogue, justice and mutual respect.

“We must build a political culture where every citizen feels represented and every community has a sense of belonging,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Kairat Animashaun, a political leader, called for greater participation of women and youths in leadership, saying inclusive governance would strengthen democracy and accelerate development.

She said that indigenous Lagosians should remain united while pursuing legitimate political aspirations through peaceful and democratic means.

“Women and young people must be given greater opportunities to contribute to governance.

“Inclusive leadership will produce better policies and strengthen democratic institutions,” she said.

Animashaun added that the political future of Lagos should be built on fairness, transparency and accountability.

“Our collective aspiration should be a Lagos where competence is rewarded, justice prevails and every qualified indigene has an opportunity to serve.

“That is the pathway to sustainable development and enduring peace,” she said.

She urged political leaders to place the overall interest of the state above personal, ethnic or sectional considerations, saying unity remained the greatest strength of the state. (NAN)

Update news