In a press statement published by Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s media aide, Gboyega Akosile, on X (formerly Twitter), the state government denounced calls for an #IgboMustGo protest from August 20th to 30th, 2024 by the alt-tweeter handle Lagospedia.
The statement read, “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 the Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #IgboMustGo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024.
“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.”
Rumours of the protest emanated from a post on X by Lagospedia that read, “Lagosians and every S’West stakeholder should prepare for the massive protest of #IgboMustGo on the 20th-30th of August. They have one month from now to leave and relocate their business from all S’West states. We urge all Yorubas living in the S’East to return home.”
The governor appealed to Lagosians “not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the state.” He called on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.
He also enjoined Lagosians “to ignore the post and any post of that nature,” promising to double efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.
