LAGOS – The Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture to the Lagos State Governor, Idris Aregbesola, is facing a storm of criticism following his meeting with Noble Igwe and Uzo Njoku. The meeting, which was publicised on social media, has sparked a significant backlash, with many social media users accusing Aregbesola of associating with individuals who have a history of making derogatory remarks about Yoruba leaders and culture.
Noble Igwe, a fashion enthusiast, posted about the meeting on his Twitter account, @Nobsdaslushhkid, stating, “Had a good meeting with Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture & @uzoart.” The post quickly drew the ire of many users who believe that Igwe and Uzo Njoku have previously shown disrespect towards Yoruba heritage and political figures, including President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
This incident has amplified existing tensions in Lagos, often referred to as Nigeria’s economic and cultural melting pot. The city’s cosmopolitan nature has, in recent years, been at the centre of a heated debate over the phrase “Lagos is no man’s land,” with some indigenous Yoruba groups asserting their heritage and expressing frustration over perceived cultural and political marginalisation. The 2023 elections brought these tensions to the forefront, with reports of ethnic-based political clashes.
The social media backlash was swift and intense. A user with the handle @Teejay2 questioned the rationale behind the collaboration, asking, “How can you be working with the same people that voted against Sanwoolu and Tinubu.
Unfortunately, they are not even Yoruba and they want to market Yoruba culture in Yoruba land.”
Another user, Babatunde Johnson, offered a more comprehensive critique, suggesting the meeting was part of a larger trend of “inclusion by erasure.” He stated, “These are the same selected & elected leaders that keep emboldening people who wake up and shout Lagos is no man’s land. And you wonder why the nonsense won’t stop? From our own Governor appointing an Igbo man as Chief Cybersecurity head (inside Lagos o!), to Benue & Igbo strangers representing Isolo and Eti-Osa in Abuja while the real owners of the soil watch from the sidelines.”
A commenter named Kunle directly challenged Aregbesola’s role, asserting, “A Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture cannot fraternise with people who mock Yoruba traditions. If you cannot defend our culture without compromise, you should resign immediately.”
Other political grievances were also tied to the controversy. Olalekan Lekky29 commented, “If you are still wondering how BAT [Bola Ahmed Tinubu] lost the 2023 election in Lagos, the answer lies within these SA messages. BAT handed over his mandate to self-centred politicians and appointees in Lagos. All these ones can’t protect any legacy.”
As the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbesola’s role is to promote and preserve the cultural identity of Lagos. His recent action has been scrutinised not only for its political implications but also for its perceived impact on cultural integrity, occurring amid ongoing ethnic tensions, which have also been seen in past policy decisions like the renaming of streets.
The incident highlights a broader struggle in Lagos to reconcile its identity as a cosmopolitan hub with its indigenous Yoruba heritage. With a population of over 23 million people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the city’s economic and cultural landscape makes it a critical area for these debates.
The backlash also reflects underlying political frustrations, particularly with the 2027 elections on the horizon, where ethnic mobilisation is expected to be a significant factor.
As of the time of this report, neither Idris Aregbesola nor the Lagos State Government has released an official statement regarding the backlash. The intensity of the public reaction suggests that the controversy could have political repercussions for the administration.
