‘Reckless and divisive,’ Sanwo-Olu dissociates self from #IgboMustGo social media campaign

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has dissociated himself from social media campaign advocating for relocation of South Easterners (Igbos) from the state, saying the city will remain a melting pot and “home to everybody”. 

The governor was reacting to recent calls for the forced relocation of Igbos from Lagos and other south-west states — in certain sections of the social media.

In a statement on Friday issued by Gboyega Akosile, his special adviser on media and publicity, Sanwo-Olu described the social media posts as “reckless and divisive”, adding that the perpetrators are trying to cause friction between the Yorubas and other ethnic groups.

“The attention of Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and south-west of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #Igbomustgo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024,” the statement reads.

“The governor of Lagos state and indeed, Lagos state government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.

“The governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the state.”