Your govt. marginalising us, Awori indigenes tell Sanwo-Olu, threaten withdrawal of support
Amidu Arije
The Awori people of Lagos State have cried out that they were being marginalised in the government of Lagos State, claiming that they were not well-represented despite being the owners of the land.
At a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday by the Awori Obas in conjunction with the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN), they threatened that they might be forced to put their people forward for political posts and withdraw support for the non-Aworis contesting any political position in the state forthwith.
Speaking on behalf of Awori Obas in Lagos State, who were all present at the conference, the Ojomu of Ajiran Land, HRM Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, said they were not happy with the Lagos State Government as only a handful of its indigenes were part of the commissioners and special advisers nominated for legislative approval.
READ ALSO: Rivers govt. spends N2.3b on RSUTH – Wike
Oba Akinloye noted that the Awori had produced three deputy governors and a few commissioners before, but said they were totally neglected this time around.
While speaking at the conference, Akinloye said, “You will recall that on Saturday, 14th July, 2019, the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, transmitted 25 names of Commissioners and Special Advisers to the State Assembly for screening.
“It is pertinent to know categorically that only one or two Awori indigenes made the list where lies our majority support and existence.
“We want to use this medium to unequivocally remind the Lagos State Government that the Aquarius are not happy with the way we are being marginalised in the state despite our population and also for the fact that we are the original settlers in the state, but sadly enough that we are not accorded our rightful position in the governance of the state.
“We are thereby looking forward to seeing the appointment of another Awori indigenes who are young, vibrant and qualified to be part of the government.
“As we know, we have many of them who are professionals, politicians and technocrats.
“Those who worked tirelessly during the campaign for the success of the party in Lagos State.
“We should remind ourselves that participation in politics is anchored on the desire to use it as a route to be appointed and elected to serve your own people and bring development closer to them.
“We deserve more than what we are getting. The entire Aworis are now waiting and going that justice will be done in send batch of nominees that will be forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly.”
READ ALSO: Lagos ready for U-20 Women World Cup, says Gov. Sanwo-Olu
They warned that if their demand as not met, they would be forced to withdraw their support for any other candidate in Lagos State apart from their own sons and daughters, noting that they are the majority in the state.
“In Lagos state, the Aworis occupy 17 out of 20 local governments and 26 out of 37 LCDAs as well as the three senatorial districts, wherein our culture and traditions are well embedded,” he said.
Speaking further, the royal father, however, appreciated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for creating a conducive environment for them to vote en-masse during the last general elections.
“We wish to appreciate and thank the Apex Leader of APC, Asowaju Bola Tinubu for providing direction for the party nationwide and it is through this means the entire Aworis turned out en-masse to vote in the last general elections and the record is there to show for it; right from inception that the state has been going to polls and our people have been supportive in terms of election process,” he said.
