A recent social media post by the handle Lagospedia has sparked controversy and condemnation from the Lagos State Government. The post, made on X (formerly Twitter), called for a purported Igbo Must Go protest scheduled from August 20th to 30th, 2024, in Lagos and across Southwest Nigeria. It urged Igbo residents to vacate the region and suggested that Yorubas residing in the Southeast should return to their homeland, causing significant alarm and backlash.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State quickly responded to the inflammatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile. The Governor strongly denounced the post as reckless, divisive, and potentially dangerous to the peace and unity of the state. He emphasized that Lagos remains a home for all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic background, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity among all residents.
He stressed that the post was an attempt to sow discord among the people of Lagos. He highlighted the importance of maintaining harmony and tolerance in the cosmopolitan city. Sanwo-Olu called upon Lagosians to reject such messages and to avoid being drawn into tensions created by irresponsible individuals or groups.
The Lagos State Government expressed its intention to investigate the originators of the controversial post and take legal action as necessary. Governor Sanwo-Olu instructed security agencies to promptly commence an investigation to identify those behind the Lagospedia handle and hold them accountable for their actions.
In a statement reassuring residents, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security across the state. He urged all citizens to remain calm, ignore divisive rhetoric, and join hands in building a prosperous and harmonious Lagos.As the investigation progresses, authorities will focus on addressing the root causes of such incendiary messages while upholding the principles of inclusivity and unity that Lagos prides itself upon.
