Omokri Fires Back: Lagos Isn’t a No-Man’s Land, Never Nigeria’s Capital

Reno Omokri, a social analyst and former presidential assistant, has denied that Lagos State is a “no-man’s land,” emphasizing that Lagos Island was Nigeria’s capital and Lagos was never.
Omokri addressed what he called the “ignorance” of certain journalists and activists about Lagos’ political system and history in a post posted on Monday through his verified 𝕏 handle.
The idea that Lagos, as a previous capital, belongs to no one and ought to represent the culture of all Nigerians is, in Omokri’s opinion, historically incorrect.

Nigeria never had Lagos State as its capital. Indeed, Lagos Island was once the capital of Nigeria. But it wasn’t in the rest of the state,” he said.

Omokri compared it to the UK, saying, “It is just like London.” Greater London and the City of London are not the same thing. They are governed by separate authorities.

The social media analyst pointed out that Lagos Island has historically represented Nigeria’s diversity by naming important structures after notable members of various ethnic groups.

On Lagos Island, Ahmadu Bello Way and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue are the two most noticeable thoroughfares. He claimed that they are not small streets but rather waterfront roadways worth billions of dollars that are home to important organizations and embassies.

In addition, he cited the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, which bears the name of a Kano native, as evidence that Lagos residents have always accepted national emblems peacefully.

Omokri says Lagos should give its indigenous people priority.
According to Omokri, Lagos State has the same constitutional right as any other state to establish laws that protect its culture and give preference to its native population.

“That isn’t dishonest. That’s why the federal government initially established states. to provide distinct areas for the cultural flourishing of particular Nigerian ethnic groups,” he stated.

“While inclusivity is a good thing, promoting one’s own heritage is not the responsibility of any state other than one’s own.”

Comparing this to the US, he said, states are free to have different social and political stances on topics like LGBTQ rights and abortion.

“Nigeria Has 35 Other States If You Don’t Like Lagos,” Omokri Informs Critics
Anyone who feels uneasy in Lagos is free to move to another region of Nigeria, Omokri added.

In addition to Lagos, Nigeria has 35 more states. “You have options if you don’t like Lagos State or think it smells,” he stated.

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In addition, he pointed out that the United Nations does not consider Lagos to be the most polluted state or city on Earth, advising detractors to do their research before passing judgment.

The former presidential adviser outlined Lagos State’s accomplishments that distinguish the state from others and emphasized its history in infrastructure and governance:

Lagos offers wages higher than the minimum.
Lagos is not in debt to its civil services.
Lagos funds public transit and education.
LGA elections are often held in Lagos.
There is no intervention by the Governor with LGA finances.
Lagos offers subsidized farmers’ markets and soup kitchens.
Lagos has made significant public infrastructure investments.
TimeOut Magazine has selected Lagos as the 19th best city in the world to live in.
Changing the Name of a Street
In response to ongoing demonstrations in Lagos over the renaming of streets, Omokri issued a warning against exploiting these rallies as a pretext for planned mayhem.

“We will not put up with you renaming streets in Lagos as a pretext for protesting and then using that as a pretext to demolish Lagos,” he said.

Omokri reiterated in the end that Lagos, like all other states, should be allowed to define its own identity free from outside influence or false narratives.