Lagos is not a no man’s land, Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour echoes General Mobolaji Johnson’s words

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]badebo Rhodes Vivour, a former governorship candidate of Labour Party in Lagos, took to X (formerly Twitter) to reiterate the historical struggle of Lagos indigenes for self-governance and independence.

In his post, Rhodes Vivour invoked the memory of General Mobolaji Johnson’s emphatic declaration in July 1970 that “Lagos is not a no man’s land.”

Also read: #PantsOnFire: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour called out over misinformation on social media (Photos)

This statement was made in response to Action Group politicians who had spent the preceding decade attempting to merge Lagos State into the Western Region.

Rhodes Vivour’s post delves deep into the historical context, emphasizing that the conversation about Lagos’ identity has always been centered around the indigenes’ fight for self-governance, rather than the question of whether Lagos is Yoruba land. He pointed out that this issue has been a convenient distraction, often laced with ethnic undertones, diverting attention from the core issue of self-determination.

According to Rhodes Vivour, since 1886, Lagosians have been asserting their right to govern themselves, rejecting any notion of being vassals or conquered territory.

In his post, Rhodes Vivour expressed gratitude to the heroes and ancestors who fought tirelessly for an independent Lagos.

He named several key figures who played significant roles in this struggle, including H.M. Alli Balogun, Kasali Aremu Kotun, Prince Ibikunle Akitoye, T.O.S. Benson, Dr. Teslim Elias, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Alhaji S.L. Edu, Mr. Bolaji Hundeyin, Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, Babatunde Williams, and Akin Adesola. These individuals are celebrated for their dedication to ensuring that Lagos remained independent and self-governing.

General Mobolaji Johnson emphatically stated that “Lagos is not a no man’s land,” while responding to Action Group politicians in July 1970 who had spent the last decade trying to completely absorb Lagos State into the western region.

This conversation has never been about if Lagos state is Yoruba land ( a convenient distraction, with a ethnic dog whistle twist) . It has since 1886 been about Lagos indigenes fighting for the right to govern themselves, asserting that they are neither vassals or conquered territory.

I am grateful for our heroes and ancestors like H.M Alli Balogun, Kasali Aremu Kotun, Prince Ibikunle Akitoye , T.O.S Benson, Dr Teslim Elias, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Alhaji S.L Edu, Mr Bolahji Hundeyin, Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, Babatunde Williams and Akin Adesola, all of whom fought for an independent Lagos and ensured it stayed independent. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/10/battle-nigerias-independence-fought-streets-lagos-okunnu/

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.