By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Yoruba Conservative group has issued a directive demanding its members remove all non-Yoruba political campaign posters sighted across Lagos, denouncing their presence as a “disrespect to Yoruba natives.”
In a strongly-worded statement released today, the group declared that non-indigenes should be barred from contesting political office in Lagos State altogether.
The group argues that the principle of reciprocity justifies this stance, claiming other Nigerian states like Anambra, Kano, and Kaduna already restrict major political offices to their own indigenes.
“It is a disrespect to Yoruba natives for foreign posters to flood its street,” the statement asserted.
“If anyone want[s] to contest, let them go to their various state to do that… But you can’t do that on our soil because you won’t also allow us to do the same on your soil.”
The group explicitly rejected the concept of “One Nigeria” in the context of political participation within states, stating: “If ONE NIGERIA doesn’t work in your own state, then it shouldn’t work in my own state too. You can’t reserve your resources for yourself and come to share in my own. That’s impossible!”
According to the statement, the Yoruba Conservative has already taken steps to enforce this vision.
They claim to have “consulted some top Lagos Politicians to stop giving a political ticket to non Yoruba” and have “sent letters of resignation to some foreigners holding political positions in Lagos to resign and vacate the seat as he or she is occupying a post meant for Yoruba people.”
The group dismissed comparisons to diverse democracies like the UK or US, insisting Lagos should only be compared to other Nigerian states where, they allege, a Yoruba person would not be allowed to contest and win.
“Therefore why should I say YES to you in my own state?” the statement questioned.
While describing themselves as “peace loving people,” the group issued a stark warning: “If you come to us in [a] violent manner, be rest assure[d] you will face the unforgivable consequences.”
This declaration highlights rising tensions over indigene-settler politics and access to political power within Nigeria’s diverse states, bringing a controversial and exclusionary stance to the forefront in Lagos.