The leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has urged Igbo leaders in the state to dismiss claims that the Lagos State government harbours animosity toward South Easterners.

Speaking during a meeting with Igbo leaders at his office in Ikeja, Jandor assured them that both the people and government of Lagos remain committed to inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence.

He described Lagos as a state that has always embraced diversity, citing its long history of accommodating non-indigenes.

“We sell our lands to you, which shows how hospitable we are. Lagos is the first state that accommodates non-indigenes in the state cabinet. We are all living witnesses to it,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the recent demolition of illegal structures, Jandor clarified that the enforcement exercise was not targeted at any ethnic group but aimed at upholding the law.

“The office of the Ola of Lagos was demolished because it was built under power lines, yet he is a Yoruba man,” he explained.

He cautioned the Igbo community against allowing political opportunists to exploit ethnic sentiments for selfish gains, stressing that “the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of tribe.”

“If Yorubas in other states go on the wrong side of the law, it would not stop the government from taking action,” he added.

In his remarks, the President General of Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Sunday Udeh, reaffirmed the commitment of the Igbo community to peaceful coexistence and development in the state.

He noted that Igbos have historically worked closely with Yoruba leaders, recalling their collaborations during the administrations of Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.

“Igbos are ready to work, and they are working. I want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning under him as Lagos State governor was an Igbo man. Igbos and Yorubas have been working together, and nothing should stop that,” Udeh said.

He, however, expressed concern that the level of representation of Igbos in government declined after the 2023 general elections.

“We used to have an Igbo man in the State House of Assembly, a special adviser to the governor, and an Igbo commissioner, but after the 2023 general elections, we don’t have anyone. We want you to help us pass our message to them,” he appealed.