₦airaland Forum

The few reasonable ones are beginning to speak up....the Yoruba nation must not allow decision making to be in the hands of political miscreants that thrives only in chaos,to determine the trajectory of the Yoruba nation.

Lagos Is Playing with Fire — And Tinubu Must Put It Out

By Babafemi Ojudu

A troubling trend is unfolding in Lagos State. In the aftermath of the recent local government elections, some newly elected officials have embarked on a reckless spree of renaming streets—particularly those bearing Igbo names or named after prominent non-indigenes. This is not coincidental; it is a calculated political maneuver rooted in resentment, identity politics, and shortsighted leadership.

The long-simmering tension between Yoruba and Igbo communities reached a boiling point during the 2023 elections. Peter Obi of the Labour Party shocked the political establishment by defeating Bola Ahmed Tinubu—Lagos’s long-reigning political figure—in the presidential poll within the state. That upset sent shockwaves through the ruling APC, and fears grew that a similar surprise might unfold in the governorship race. What followed was an aggressive, divisive campaign that shamelessly weaponized ethnicity, fear, and misinformation.

Wild accusations flew: that the Igbo had “bought up” Lagos, “taken over” the economy, and were scheming to seize political power. These narratives were dangerous—and not entirely new. But while they didn’t arise in a vacuum, they have been irresponsibly amplified.

It’s true that some individuals within the Igbo community, in asserting cultural pride, have crossed into political overreach—not just in Nigeria but abroad. A recent example is an Igbo man in Ghana who purchased large tracts of land and declared himself a king, sparking fears—justified or not—of secessionist ambitions in host communities. Similarly, the proliferation of self-styled “Eze Ndi Igbo” (Igbo kings) across non-Igbo regions can be perceived as provocative, especially when seen as parallel authority structures. While these acts may stem from pride and cultural identity, they can easily be exploited by opportunistic politicians to sow fear and division.

But make no mistake: these isolated actions do not justify collective punishment or cultural erasure.

Lagos was built by many hands—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Urhobo, Tapa, and more. Its strength lies in its diversity. To target any group—especially one so deeply embedded in the city’s economy and social fabric—is not just morally wrong; it is politically suicidal.

Rather than stoking ethnic division, Lagos leaders should focus on the real threats to the city: youth unemployment, drug addiction, urban decay, traffic congestion, and collapsing infrastructure. These are the issues threatening Lagos’s future—not the names on its street signs.

What makes this ethnic posturing even more shortsighted is the broader national context. Discontent is rising across Nigeria. The economy is reeling, inflation is crushing households, and insecurity remains rampant. As the 2027 elections approach, the ruling APC is grappling with waning public trust. Alienating a significant Southern demographic—the Igbo—while Northern political elites express growing dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s leadership is a dangerous gamble.

Just recently, Northern heavyweight Rabiu Kwankwaso declared that the North feels marginalized under Tinubu’s presidency and may not support his re-election. If the North grows distant and the Southeast is antagonized, where will the support come from? This trend risks isolating the South West politically—and that isolation will not bode well for the Yoruba, both at home and in the diaspora.

This is where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must rise above the fray. He cannot afford to allow partisan loyalty or ethnic sentiment to blind him to the growing danger of ethnic polarization. Left unchecked, it could spiral into something far more sinister—even ethnic cleansing. Nigeria is too fragile for such a descent.

The President must initiate a process of reconciliation. He should reach out to Igbo leaders—both at home and abroad—to promote moderation and mutual respect. Online abuse and reckless insults, such as referring to revered Yoruba figures like Wole Soyinka in derogatory terms, must cease. I was stunned to read a young Igbo man referring to Soyinka as a “gbajue professor.” Such incivility wounds the national psyche and deepens mistrust.

At the same time, Tinubu must speak frankly to Yoruba communities—especially indigenes of Lagos. Being a host comes with responsibility, not superiority. You cannot sell your land willingly, spend the proceeds on indulgent lifestyles, and then resent those who invested and built on that land. You cannot eat your cake and still have it. If you admire the success of others, emulate their work ethic and community spirit—don’t scapegoat them.

Meanwhile, fault lines are cracking elsewhere. In the North, Muslim-Christian tensions are rising. The once-cohesive Fulani-Hausa alliance is showing strain. In the South, Yoruba-Igbo relations are fraying. In the Niger Delta, some groups are rejecting the inclusion of Igbos in the Biafra narrative. Even among the Yoruba, there is growing resentment against the idea of “giving everything to Lagos,” while some Lagosians disparage non-indigenous Yoruba (“ara oke”) who’ve found success in the city.

Nigeria is a house divided—and unless urgent steps are taken, it may not stand much longer. The crisis in Rivers State has stirred new waves of resentment in the Niger Delta. Everywhere, identity-based fault lines are deepening.

President Tinubu must not be complacent. If Nigeria fractures, history will not remember his economic policies or political victories. It will remember that the house collapsed under his watch.

The task before him is urgent and non-transferable: call your boys to order, heal old wounds, unite the nation, and rise above petty politics. This is not a job for committees or proxies. Only bold, visionary leadership can pull Nigeria back from the brink.

The window is closing. Now is the time to act.

• Ojudu is a former Senator, journalist, political scientist,

These Yorubas have grown the culture of reckless talking and insult as a way of life....everyone now behaves like a tout,such a shameless act.They do it with pride, is disgusting to see political leaders whom should be a shinning example to the younger ones,always almost behave like rascals.
They have even taken these their culture of unrestrained insults to the federal level,when some state actors talk,you will feel like hiding your face in shame.

stuffs2002:
Abeg stop to dey lie upandan. Na Una dey segregate pass for this country.

Igbos that do not sell land to outsiders.
Do you know that the south east region is the only region in the entire country without a cosmopolitan city.

Bros come to Akwa Anambra state capital,I have access to more than 100 hectares of land for sale.when your people thinks that the world start and ends in Lagos,you are so scared to leave your shelves. Igbos are naturally explorers,we are not afraid of new challenges,we break new ground and thread even where demons fear to reach.Bring your money and come and buy,dont be waiting for free land from government, you guys are so use to freebies.

Usually APC governors can never fail to disappoint...we igbos dont segregate,we are not like the other people(who claim to be accomodators)but celebrate tribalism to high heavens.
If Hope Ozodinmma is not ready to host all the girls,he should just forget it.we are Igbos,we have a big heart,that's our culture.

I do know why some people thinks they can stop others from telling the truth,Lagos is a concrete jungle,very dirty and people are allowed to practice open defecation,I dont know if it is part of the larger yoruba culture.This is despicable. Honestly, most areas smells,going out at times,especially when it rains,you may need a face mask.Funny enough they are use to the smelly nature.

2-2,nice one !

Kemetian:
Wrong attitude.

If you see a good thing happening, praise it.

You weren’t born to demand perfection sitting in spiteful judgment over others.

Well that's your opinion!Your ilks may be satisfied seeing South East acting like second class citizens,whereas similar projects were done in other geopolitical zones without their senator coming out to thank the federal govt openly because it is already a normal situation in those other geopolitical zones but the South East are always expected to live in perpetual servitude for them to attract a project Nigeria even did for Niger republic.
Hypocrisy is when people like you never ever speaks up against grave injustices,only to turn around and be moralist when dissenting voices are loud.

Praising Tinubu exactly for what,when both Buhari and Tinubu have been collecting loans in the name of Nigeria,to build railways in the North and south west,even both sourcing fund to complete Kastina to Maradi in Niger Republic while the Eastern corridors and by extension South south are yet to get standard gauge rail lines.
Praising him is uncalled for,it is not a privilege but our right!it shouldn't look as if he is doing the south East a favour.

That's the way we roll in Anambra and the South East in general!

I am from Anambra state,I think Soludo should have retained the 'Abakiliki' name of the street. Or equally rename another important street to 'Abakaliki street'.
Peter Obi and rest governors didn't change the name,so why Soludo?

Why I'm I suspecting some underhand dealings and may be some bad gangs in the government may be involved,it is an easier way to hide stolen funds...just thinking outside the box!

Happy birthday to the man of the people!

It is nice that these men are beginning to expose their secret and evil plans for HE Peter Obi,they whole world,they obidients world over and all they good people of Nigeria have taken note,beyond those two states mentioned,if anything happens to Obi in any other place,we rightfully know they evil gang to hold responsible with their boss,only then they will know that 'Obidients' is not just a movement but an ideology whose time has come.

'Helinius',a known propagandist,an online Tinubu-APC mercenary has created more than 5 topics on this.

Wike...the hands of Esau the voice of Jacob.
2027 elections will come and pass!

They will run from this thread...'corn'fused people.

He is on the right path to greater success!...Akuluonu.

What kind of useless topic is this,you just want to demarket opay.

OSIHMEN stay back in Napoli and leave as a free agent by January,since your contract ends with them next year....they will then realize the financial blunder they committed. It will wreck them.

Culture at it's best. Igbo Amaka!
Ndigbo and their beautiful culture,everyone should be proud of his cultural heritage.

Emu4life:
Yeyenatu.
So a sensible Board will decide to doll out a whooping 100m for that defensive striker? Shiior

Those who bought Havertz and sterling,can still buy him.

Arsenal or Man u, see your market o,don't miss this chance!don't allow any serie A side to steal this opportunity from you guys.

Mabuggi88:
Osihmen should tell Galatasaray to forget and wait till January to get him for Free. Napoli is frustrating this guy

Exactly my thoughts!..they want to get back at Osihmen for refusing to go to Saudi Arabia where a club offered to pay $75million to Napoli straight up,so they now want to tell Osihmen that they can equally frustrate him.
However,Osihmen should just stay back and wait for January for a move to the premiership or even Madrid as a free agent,this is the kind of awoof deal that appeals to Real Madrid.

This is terrible,acts like this makes other nations see Nigerians as beastly,they criminals must face the full wrath of the law.This is very annoying,killing an innocent man in his country,working hard to make ends meet.
May his soul rest in peace.

Most Lagosians have lost faith in the electoral system,actions have consequences,when politicians act with reckless impunity and misuse of power,they electorate will develop apathy.Lagos state elections in recent past are marred with violence and with what seems like state sponsored thuggery,as Alaye boys are seen brandishing weapons openly and intimidating opposition voters,coupled with ballot box snatching at opposition strongholds.
More so,generally Local govt elections are seen as a mere formality by the ruling party of a state, to show dominance and consolidate power.
Lagos have about 6 or more million voters but I doubt if the entire vote cast will exceed 500 thousand. This is the tragedy of impunity and politicians without electoral value often benefit from electoral apathy,since the vast majority of sensible voters stay out of voting.