A group of Lagos natives, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has strongly criticized recent comments made by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who suggested that Seyi Tinubu is fit to lead Lagos State in 2027. The group, in a statement issued on Tuesday, described the minister’s remarks as “careless” and stated that they do not reflect the views of Lagosians.
The statement emphasized that the minister’s opinion was personal and not representative of the diverse population across Lagos’ five divisions: Epe, Lagos, Badagry, Ikeja, and Ikorodu. “We know as a fact that Mr. Seyi Tinubu is not from any of the divisions in Lagos State,” the group asserted. They highlighted that Seyi Tinubu does not have roots in any of the divisions, questioning the validity of such a claim to leadership.
The group further argued that Lagosians are fully capable of governing the state without external influence. “As youths in Lagos State who have the capacity to govern ourselves, we say no to Mr. Seyi Tinubu,” the statement read. “We can govern ourselves and are not in need of any outsider to lead us.”
The foundation also criticized what they termed the “betrayal” by some elders, claiming that they were selling out to the current government in favor of pushing an external candidate for Lagos’ leadership. The statement also advised Seyi Tinubu to reconsider any ambitions to run for governor, suggesting that he could consider running in other states like Osun or Oyo, where his family has ties.
Addressing the issue with strong resolve, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation made it clear that they would actively resist any effort to force Seyi Tinubu into the gubernatorial race. “Lagos state throne is not for the picking anymore,” the statement concluded, emphasizing that Lagosians are determined to preserve their autonomy and reject what they described as an “imperial” approach to governance.
The remarks have sparked discussions on the leadership dynamics in Lagos State, with the group reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that the future of the state remains in the hands of its rightful residents.
