A coalition of Lagos indigenous groups, under the aegis of the Lagos State Prominent Indigenes Forum (LASPI), has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement formed part of a 17-point communiqué issued at the end of a summit held in Lagos over the weekend, where stakeholders also called for increased participation of Lagos indigenes in governance and political processes.
The summit, titled “Promoting Greater Participation of Lagos State Indigenes in Governance and Politics,” brought together traditional leaders, eminent citizens, and representatives of indigenous associations from across the five IBILE divisions of the state.
In the communiqué signed by the convener, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, and other prominent participants, the groups declared that there was no more suitable candidate than Tinubu—whom they described as “our own”—to lead the country beyond 2027.
Participants reaffirmed their support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in his leadership and capacity to continue steering the nation’s affairs.
The summit was held at Eko Club in Surulere and chaired by elder statesman, Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole.
It was attended by Pa Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, alongside traditional rulers and key stakeholders from various indigenous organisations.
Keynote presentations were delivered by Prof. Olanrewaju Fagboun and Prof. Olumuyiwa Noah, who addressed issues relating to governance, political inclusion, and the role of indigenes in shaping Lagos State’s future.
Beyond the endorsement, the summit focused on the need to reposition Lagos indigenes within the state’s evolving political and socio-economic landscape.
Participants emphasised the importance of unity and coordination among indigenous groups, urging them to adopt long-term strategies aimed at improving representation at all levels of government.
They called on indigenes to move from passive observation to active engagement in politics, including participating in elections, joining political parties, and contributing to policy discussions.
The communiqué also highlighted the need to deepen political awareness among youths, stressing that the younger generation must be equipped with the knowledge and tools required for effective civic participation.
Stakeholders further underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage, strengthening traditional institutions, and promoting the use of indigenous languages as part of efforts to sustain identity and community cohesion.
In addition, the summit advocated the use of digital platforms to mobilise and educate indigenes, noting that technology remains a critical tool for engagement in modern governance.
Participants acknowledged ongoing development efforts in Lagos and across the country but stressed the need for more inclusive policies that reflect the interests and aspirations of indigenous communities.
They also commended LASPI for convening the summit and recommended regular engagements among stakeholders to sustain dialogue and monitor progress on agreed objectives.
In its concluding remarks, the summit stated that the future relevance, influence, and prosperity of Lagos indigenes would depend largely on their ability to remain united, organised, and consistently involved in governance and political processes.
The groups reiterated their firm support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and affirmed their backing for his second-term bid as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 presidential election.
