- De Renaissance Patriots Fault Minister’s Remarks on Lagos Leadership
- Group Declares Lagos Natives Ready to Govern Themselves
A Lagos-based group, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has denounced recent comments by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, suggesting that Seyi Tinubu is suitable to govern Lagos State in 2027.
In a statement released by its media office on Tuesday, the group described the minister’s remarks as reckless and unrepresentative of the sentiments of Lagos residents.
“Our attention has been drawn to a media interview granted by the Minister for Youths claiming that Seyi Tinubu is fit to lead Lagos State. We condemn this careless statement and regard it as his personal opinion, not reflective of the collective voice of Lagosians across the five divisions: Epe, Lagos, Badagry, Ikeja, and Ikorodu,” the statement read.
Questioning Tinubu’s Lagos Ties
The group challenged Seyi Tinubu’s eligibility, asserting that he does not belong to any of Lagos State’s traditional divisions. “Mr. Seyi Tinubu cannot lay claim to Epe, Badagry, Lagos, Ikeja, or Ikorodu. To be clear, Seyi Tinubu is not from Lagos State,” the statement added.
The foundation further urged Seyi Tinubu to consider political ambitions in states tied to his maternal heritage, such as Osun or Oyo. “If Seyi qualifies to run for office, so be it—but let him try from Osun State or Oyo State, where his mother hails from. Lagos has more than enough capable sons and daughters to lead the state.”
Resistance Against External Influence
The group criticized certain elders for allegedly attempting to impose non-Lagosians on the state for political gain. They affirmed their readiness to resist such attempts, emphasizing Lagos youths’ capacity to govern themselves.
“This time, vibrant Lagos youths will resist any attempt to impose Mr. Seyi Tinubu on us as governor. Lagos State is not up for grabs. Nigeria is not ready for imperial rule or monarchy.”
The statement concluded by advising Seyi Tinubu to avoid being misled by those encouraging his gubernatorial ambition, warning that Lagosians are determined to protect the integrity of their state’s leadership.
