Chief (Mrs) Kofowola Bucknor-Akerele, a former deputy governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2002, has reportedly voiced concerns about the increasing political domination of non-indigenous people in Lagos, according to the Nigerian Tribune. Then-Governor Bola Tinubu’s deputy, Bucknor-Akerele, offered her opinions on the matter, blaming the state of affairs on intentional efforts to marginalize native Lagosians. She thinks that the removal of Native Americans from important political roles is a long-term tactic that has changed since she took office.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
During her tenure as deputy governor, Bucknor-Akerele observed the gradual rise of non-indigenous politicians in Lagos. She highlighted that this trend began during the administration she was part of, pointing to Tinubu’s leadership as a critical factor. According to her, despite Tinubu’s prominent role in Lagos politics, he himself is not an indigenous Lagosian, a fact that she believes influenced his approach to governance in the state. She suggested that Tinubu’s actions during his time as governor were aimed at surrounding himself with loyalists, many of whom were not from Lagos.
The former deputy governor went on to imply that Tinubu’s background played a significant role in shaping his political strategy. She asserted that Tinubu, aware of his non-indigenous status, worked to promote other non-Lagosians into positions of power. This, according to Bucknor-Akerele, was a way for him to secure support and control over the political landscape of the state. By elevating non-indigenous politicians, she believes Tinubu ensured that his influence would remain unchallenged, particularly by indigenous Lagosians who might have resisted his policies.
The controversy surrounding the political representation of indigenous Lagosians has continued to stir debate in the state. Many Lagosians feel that their rights and opportunities are being eroded by individuals who do not have deep-rooted ties to the area. Bucknor-Akerele’s remarks have reignited discussions on the issue, particularly among those who feel marginalized by the current political dynamics in Lagos.
Bucknor-Akerele’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among some indigenous Lagosians who feel excluded from key leadership roles in their state. As Lagos remains Nigeria’s economic hub, the struggle for political control has intensified, with both indigenes and non-indigenes vying for influence. The former deputy governor’s statements suggest that this power struggle has historical roots, dating back to the early 2000s when non-indigenes began gaining prominence in the state’s political hierarchy.
She said: I am an indigenous Lagosian and, therefore, I feel very strongly about it because I think it is being purposely done. It is being purposely done that non-Lagosians should take over the most important positions from indigenes of Lagos State.
We started noticing it when Tinubu and I were in power. Let’s face it. Whatever anybody says, Tinubu is not a Lagosian and I feel because of that, he wanted to put non-Lagosians in power to support him. I think he knew that with his background and antecedents, it would be difficult for him to do maneuvers in Lagos State and so he started promoting non-Lagosians into positions of power.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
