No Man’s Land: Your Proposed Law to Protect Lagos Indigenes Divisive, Rhodes-Vivour Tells Obasa

The governorship candidate of Labour Party in Lagos State for the 2023 elections, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has described the proposed law by the Speaker of the House of Assembly in the state, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa to protect property rights of indigenes as divisive and regressive.

Obasa had while delivering his acceptance speech declared that Lagos is Yoruba Land, and its lawmakers would enact laws to protect the indigenes even if it means reversing the existing laws.

However, Rhodes-Vivour while reacting through a Twitter post said the Speaker would divide Lagos residents along ethnic lines with his proposed law.

He said by considering the regressive bill, Obasa disregards the constitution of the country and perpetuates discriminatory system.

The Labour party chieftain was of the opinion that the law would discourage the participation of local and foreign investors in Lagos economy.

Rhodes-Vivour tweeted: “By considering this regressive bill, the Speaker disregards the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and perpetuates a discriminatory system that divides our society along ethnic lines.

“The proposed bill undermines the principle of private ownership and could severely affect investment, economic growth, and overall prosperity in Lagos State.


“By considering such legislation, the Speaker is sending a damaging message to local and international investors, discouraging their participation and confidence in the state’s economy.”

“The speaker of the house announced his intention to make laws to protect indigenes. ‘They will reverse the reversible’ I believe that the time for this ethnic dog whistling must come to an end. With an election that ripped our social fabric, it is time for healing.

“We expect a policy that compensates indigenes for lands seized by the government, education bursaries, and inclusion of an independent traditional institution in governance. Not threats to property rights enshrined in the constitution.”


Rhodes-Vivour, therefore, urged the Assembly to protect heritage, historical sites, and traditional institutions from political vandalism.