Lagos Belongs to Yoruba People, Says Tinubu’s Aide Amid Backlash

Daniel Bwala clarified that Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people culturally and constitutionally.
He described Lagos as a cosmopolitan city similar to New York or London, requiring massive federal investment.
Bwala stated that Lagos is the economic heartbeat of Nigeria and not a “no-man’s land.”

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has clarified recent remarks describing Lagos State as a “no-man’s land.”

Eko Hot Blog reports that Bwala’s statement drew public criticism following his appearance on a television programme earlier this week.

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Reacting to the backlash, Bwala explained that his comments were misunderstood, and firmly acknowledged Lagos as historically and constitutionally belonging to the Yoruba people.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Bwala stated:

“Don’t misinterpret what I said in my interview this morning. Culturally, historically, and constitutionally, Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people, and that has never been in contention. The unique identity of Lagos as a Yoruba homeland is settled and beyond dispute.”

Bwala further elaborated on his position by likening Lagos to major global cities such as New York, Paris, and London.

According to him, while Lagos retains its Yoruba identity, it functions as a national commercial powerhouse with a diverse population.

“What I emphasised was the special place Lagos occupies in Nigeria and indeed West Africa a city that, much like New York, Paris, or London, serves as the commercial nerve centre of our economy,” he said.

He highlighted that Lagos offers opportunities for every Nigerian to thrive regardless of their ethnic background, describing the city as a reflection of the country’s diversity.

“Lagos provides every Nigerian, regardless of origin, a level playing field to thrive, and in this sense, it mirrors the diversity of our nation while remaining firmly rooted in Yoruba heritage.”

Bwala said his central argument was about the need for heavy federal investment in Lagos, not because it is “no man’s land,” but because of its crucial economic role.

“My argument was, therefore, and justifiably so, for massive investments in infrastructure to sustain the economic and social responsibilities Lagos has shouldered on behalf of Nigeria,” he stated.

He clarified further: “Such support is not because Lagos is ‘no man’s land,’ but because it is the heartbeat of the nation’s development.”

During his earlier appearance on Arise Television’s Daybreak programme, Bwala had described Lagos as “a no-man’s land” and “the pride of Nigeria’s economy.”

He cited its diverse demographic and economic relevance to justify the federal government’s reported N3.9 trillion investment in the state over the past two years.

“Let me tell you why Lagos State is different. Lagos State is a no-man’s land. In the last election, the President who comes from the South-West did not win Lagos.

That tells you the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State,” Bwala had said.

He used the example of prominent Nigerian businessmen to support his argument: “The richest man in Africa is a northerner.

His business is not in Kano, it’s in Lagos. Almost every rich man that you know in Nigeria has a business undertaking in Lagos, and the Nigerian people are represented in Lagos.”

He added:

“If not because probably the majority of the people are Yoruba-speaking, you will wonder whether Lagos indeed is from the South-West.”

On the concentration of federal projects in the state, Bwala insisted that Lagos deserves the investment due to its national importance.

“So the idea that you put more in Lagos than in other states or the federation should be put into a proper context. Lagos is a no-man’s land. Lagos is the hub of Nigeria. Lagos is the pride of the country,” he added.

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