Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said Lagos State, which he governs, is a Yoruba United States that continues to set the pace for Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu made the assertion while delivering a speech at the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit in Akure on Wednesday.

The event was attended by leaders of the South-West political space, including governors, traditional rulers and businessmen.

The governor said, “I stand here not only as a humble leader among the South-West governors, but also as the governor of the largest population in our country, the economic and commercial nerve centre of our country, the state of aquatic splendour, a state that houses almost every tribe, religion and race of our country, but more importantly, a Yoruba United States, that continues to reimage and to set a pace for our country.”

In a post on his social media handles, Sanwo-Olu called on the South-West to once again lead Nigeria’s renewal, through unity, shared vision, and real collaboration across its states and communities.

He said with the new South-West Development Commission, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supported by the National Assembly, “we now have a platform to plan and deliver the kind of regional progress that once defined the Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

He pointed out that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is regaining confidence and stability, emphasising that his reforms are working, the economy is growing, investment is returning, and the future is brighter.

“For us in Lagos, this progress opens new doors for projects like the 4th Mainland Bridge, the Green Line, and the Lekki International Airport. With stronger investor confidence, these initiatives will transform lives and strengthen our economy.

“The South-West can, and must, lead Nigeria’s rebirth. The spirit of innovation and courage that shaped our past still lives in us today and together, we will rise to this moment,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor’s submission was hailed by many on social media, who urged him to ensure the empowerment of Yoruba people in the state.

An X user, @AKakanfo, said, “Lagos State is the United States of the Yoruba race… Governor Babajide Sanwoolu @jidesanwoolu Sir, I have criticised you vigorously before, but I am impressed with your brilliant submission today. This is the kind of speech that will make Yoruba Nationalists go to battle to defend our leaders without collecting a dime. For months, I gave lectures about Lagos state as the modern empire of the Yoruba race that must be jealously protected.

God bless YORUBALAND. God bless Nigeria.”

@Balogun_Iyanda said, “@jidesanwoolu has not gotten my flowers yet, until he follows his words with actions by doing restitution and making policies that will empower the Yoruba people in Lagos within the few years remaining for him on the seat, Lagos is Yorubaland and must favour Yoruba people first.”

@Temmyman_ said, “We don’t ask anything from them than this, our politicians should just think Yoruba first. We Yorubas are not barbarians who cause insurgency everywhere. They should just put us first and defend our ethnic identity and have this native intelligence.”