The Eastern Union (EU), an influential political pressure group representing people from the old Eastern Region, has accused Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos of pursuing what it described as an “anti-Igbo agenda” through the demolition of properties belonging to Igbo traders.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Charles Anike, national president of the group, said Lagos has long been known for its peaceful co-existence and cosmopolitan nature, accommodating Nigerians from all ethnic backgrounds.
He reminded the governor that Lagos is regarded as both a “mini-Nigeria” and the “Centre of Excellence,” a status built on inclusiveness and mutual respect.
“The reason for such appellations is not far-fetched, because it is a verified fact that every family in Nigeria has a family member who resides in the state,” Anike said.
The group urged Sanwo-Olu to emulate his predecessors whom it credited with promoting peace, unity, and interethnic harmony during their administrations.
Anike said: “Fact checks have shown that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s first and second tenures have been characterised by molestations and verifiable cases of intimidation and harassment of non-Yoruba Lagosians, especially the Ndigbo.
“This situation has escalated unabated, which in the minds of many indicates that the governor either encourages or feels comfortable with the ugly trend.”
He said the Igbos, who are “indisputably among the highest contributors to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” have suffered economic and emotional losses under the current administration.
“Under Governor Sanwo-Olu, Ndigbo have wantonly lost their businesses, lost their estates, lost their houses and, above all, lost their peace and lives in the same state,” he said.
Anike added that many Igbo residents have begun relocating from Lagos due to what he described as growing intolerance and discrimination.
“As we speak, a lot of Ndigbo are living in constant fear of uncertainty, not knowing what the future holds for them in Lagos,” he said.
The Eastern Union called on the governor to halt policies and actions that undermine the city’s multicultural character and instead promote equity and peaceful co-existence among all residents.
