The Aworis in Lagos State have cried out that they are 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 disclosed that they may be forced to put their own people forward for political posts and withdraw their supports for the non-Aworis henceforth.
Speaking on behalf of the entire 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 as only one or two Awori indigenes were part of the commissioners and special advisers nominated for the legislative approval in the state.
He noted that they had produced three deputy governors and few commissioners before, saying they were totally being neglected this time around.
He said: “You will recall that on Saturday, 14th July, 2019, the Governor of Lagos State, 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 Aworis are not happy with the way we are being maginalised in the state despite our population and 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 see the appointment of Awori indigenes who are young, vibrant and qualified. 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.”
They warned that if their demand is not granted, they would be forced to withdraw their support for the any other candidate in Lagos state apart from their own sons and daughter, 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.”
However, the royal father appreciated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for creating a conducive environment for them to vote en-mass during the last general elections.
“We wish to appreciate and thank the Apex Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for providing direction for the party nationwide and it is through this means the entire Aworis turned out en-mass 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.
“We also wish to salute the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Quadei Olufemi Hamzat; we pray that Almighty God shall direct them wisely.”
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