T he Lagos State Government has unequivocally disassociated itself from the planned #IgboMustGo protest scheduled to take place from August 20 to 30, 2024. The protest, which originated from the X handle @Lagospedia, advocates for the forced relocation of Igbos from Lagos and the Southwest, framing the #EndBadGovernance movement as an Igbo-led assault on the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu condemned the call for the protest, labeling it as reckless and aimed at creating discord between the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups, particularly the Igbo community who have established their homes in Lagos. In a statement issued on August 1, 2024, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the Governor appealed for calm and urged Lagosians to reject divisive rhetoric.
The statement from Governor Sanwo-Olu read: “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and the Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #IgboMustGo protest from August 20th to 30th, 2024.
“The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive, and dangerous rhetoric, affirming that Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their ethnic nationality.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but as an attempt to sow discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent home. He appeals to Lagosians to not allow any person or group to create tensions in the state, and calls on security agencies to investigate those behind the incitement and bring them to justice. The Governor urges Lagosians to ignore such posts and commits to enhancing efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the protest call. In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku criticized the hashtag #IgboMustGo, which seeks the forced relocation of Igbos from the region. He emphasized the importance of national unity and coexistence, condemning the inflammatory rhetoric as a threat to peace and security.
Atiku's statement highlighted the historical consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, drawing a parallel with the Rwandan genocide as a stark warning. He called for immediate and strong action from the federal government and relevant authorities against those promoting such divisive sentiments.
“The recent call for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation,” Atiku stated. He urged all Nigerians to stand united against such rhetoric and learn from historical lessons to prevent similar outcomes.
The Lagos State Government and national leaders continue to emphasize the need for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic communities.
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