Lagosians, Rhodes-Vivour tackle Obasa over proposed law to protect indigenes

Many Lagosians are not happy with the Lagos House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Mudashiru Obasa over his comment to make laws that will protect the property rights of indigenes.

Obasa in his acceptance speech said the Lagos legislature will make laws in the areas of property and economy to protect indigenes of the state.

Recall that on Tuesday, Obasa was unanimously re-elected as speaker after the proclamation of the state’s 10th assembly by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state.

The election of Obasa as the speaker of the 10th Assembly means that he will be occupying the position for the third consecutive term.

In his acceptance speech during the Lagos parliament inauguration, the speaker further said that Lagos is a “Yoruba land” and that, laws passed by the assembly will now be translated into Yoruba language.

Obasa said, “There would be laws…in the areas of economy and commerce, property and titles, and we will reverse all that is reversible to protect the interest of the indigenes.”

“Lagos is a Yoruba land as against the assertions of some people that it is a no man’s land.

“Therefore, part of our legislative agenda is to ensure the translation of laws passed by this House to the Yoruba language.”

“Going forward in this wise, we are going to employ all legislative instruments for the support of the indigenes of Lagos.

“There would be laws and resolutions in the areas of economy and commerce, property and titles, and we will reverse all that is reversible to protect the interest of the indigenes.”

Reacting to Obasa’s comment, the Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State for the 2023 elections, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour slammed the Speaker, saying that the Speaker will divide Lagos residents along ethnic lines with his proposed law.

He said: “By considering this regressive bill, the Speaker disregards the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and perpetuates a discriminatory system that divides our society along ethnic lines.

“The proposed bill undermines the principle of private ownership and could severely affect investment, economic growth, and overall prosperity in Lagos State. By considering such legislation, the Speaker is sending a damaging message to local and international investors, discouraging their participation and confidence in the state’s economy.

“The speaker of the house announced his intention to make laws to protect indigenes. ‘They will reverse the reversible’ I believe that the time for this ethnic dog whistling must come to an end. With an election that ripped our social fabric, it is time for healing.

“We expect a policy that compensates indigenes for lands seized by the government, education bursaries, and inclusion of an independent traditional institution in governance. Not threats to property rights enshrined in the constitution.”

Ewa Ase; who supported Obasa’s proposed law wrote on Instagram “Perfect, this is going to be good for local community development, charity begins at home. You can’t claim other state, leave Lagos to go celebrate milestones, IDENTIFY there as your state of origin but want to deny Lagos INDIGENE same right and claim it belongs to everyone, how? Should you decide to truly be a Lagosian, then fine, Lagos is super welcoming, you can adopt to their ways and culture NOT calling Oro and Ebo which they hold Sacred as ‘diabolical evil ways’ as a candidate for PUBLIC office. NO. The Law is for everyone and not a targeted tribe o. I’m an Ekiti Woman and I identify as so, nah everybody get their own state. Ire o Isese a gbe wa, Ase.”

While Evacomedytv wrote; “I heard his son owns a house In Canada 🇨🇦 I hope Canada too passes a law for Her indigenes.”

Rosythrone wrote “Let’s keep same energy when Niger delta the oil producing states will do theirs, y’all be overrating this Lagos like it’s the giver of all! I wish igbos would invest more in their states.”

Stephyeffy also wrote; “Pass the law quick so other state will also pass theirs its as simple as that. At last everyone go dey their dey. Lagos is not heaven. Some people are in this lagos and can’t show anything. Some of them that left lagos to other cities are doing well now. The traffuc in lagos alone na die. We need more people to circulate to other regions.”

African Woman; “Lagos is no man’s land! If not, an Ogun state man wouldn’t have been their Governor. You can drop your tears here 🪣”

Karachi; “TRIBALISTIC!!!!!! Let the south south and south East do the same!!!!”

Sommy Finex; who strongly condemned the statement wrote, “You will think it was the Hausas,Yorubas are lifting the bar .. below par. Other western states are moving together as one with every thing they have to conquer the world ( the world is your enemy not your fellow country man) and also stabilize their economies , you people’s own no pass Lagos and onitsha division… how about you explore the east and the west get the best of it and put your nation (economy) in the world map. some of these charge and bail lawyers don’t have sense it’s appalling, they will use wig and be covering their madness. Leave this pettiness , read and explore. it’s not that hard 😢.. if Igbos leave businesses in Lagos and go to the east, does it strengthen the economy or make it worse??? Are we going forward or backwards? People will still japa to countries that have their sh*t together. Like it’s not even that hard to put your brains into use.”