Lagos Govt slams viral campaign: ‘Igbo Must Go’

The Lagos State government has chosen to wash its hands off the viral campaign stylized ‘Igbo Must Go’  that has challenged the Igbo ethnic group to vacate the South West region.

The Lagos State government fiercely condemned a viral social media campaign calling for the forced relocation of Igbos from Lagos and other Southwest states. The campaign, promoted by an X user under the handle @Lagospedia, proposed a mass expulsion of Igbos from August 20-30, sparking widespread outrage and concern.

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In a strongly worded statement, Gbenga Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, distanced the state government from the inflammatory post. “Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their ethnic nationality,” Akosile emphasized, labeling the post as “reckless, divisive, and dangerous.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu views the campaign as an attempt to create discord between Yoruba and other ethnic groups, particularly the Igbos who have established themselves in Lagos. He called on security agencies to urgently investigate those behind the social media handle and bring them to justice.

The state government’s response comes after former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar also called for the prosecution of those behind the divisive rhetoric. Atiku warned that such actions endanger national peace and security, criticizing the “troubling silence” that followed the initial post.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to disregard the inflammatory messages and any similar provocations, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining peace and unity in the state. “We will double our efforts to ensure lasting peace in Lagos,” he promised, seeking to quell tensions and promote harmony among the diverse populace.