Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s candidate for governor in Lagos State in the 2023 elections, has criticized Mudashiru Obasa, the state’s Speaker of the House of Assembly, for proposing to pass laws protecting the property rights of natives.
Obasa revealed in his acceptance speech that Lagos is Yoruba Land, and that the city’s legislators will enact laws to safeguard the natives, even if it means reversing the current laws.
Thursday, in response to the new development, Rhodes-Vivour tweeted that the Speaker’s proposed law will divide Lagos residents along ethnic lines.
He stated, "By considering this retrogressive measure, the Speaker disregards the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and perpetuates a system that divides our society along ethnic lines.
“The proposed legislation undermines the principle of private ownership and could have a significant impact on investment, economic development, and general prosperity in Lagos State. By contemplating such legislation, the Speaker sends a damaging message to local and foreign investors, discouraging their participation in and confidence in the state’s economy.”
He also stated that the law would discourage local and international investment in the Lagos economy.
Then, he urged the Assembly to “protect cultural heritage, historical sites, and traditional institutions from political vandalism.”
Additionally, he stated, "The speaker of the house proclaimed his intention to enact legislation to protect natives. They are going to reverse the reversible. I believe the time has arrived to put an end to this ethnic dog whistling. With the election having torn our social fabric, it is now time to recover.
“We anticipate a policy that compensates indigenous peoples for territories seized by the government, education bursaries, and the incorporation of an independent traditional institution into the governance system. Not threats to constitutionally protected property rights.”