A Lagos-based group, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, on Tuesday criticized the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, for claiming that Seyi Tinubu is suited to lead Lagos State in 2027.
In a statement issued by its media office, the group condemned the minister’s comments, labeling them as irresponsible and not representative of the people of Lagos.
The statement reads: “We have once again been made aware of a recent media interview in which the Minister for Youths claimed that Seyi Tinubu is fit to lead Lagos State. We strongly condemn this careless statement, which reflects the personal view of the Minister and not the sentiment of the people across the five divisions of Lagos State Epe, Lagos, Badagry, Ikeja, and Ikorodu.
“We know for a fact that Mr. Seyi Tinubu has no roots in any of the divisions in Lagos State. He cannot claim any connection to Epe, Badagry, Lagos, Ikeja, or Ikorodu. Simply put, Mr. Seyi Tinubu is not from Lagos State.
“We have repeatedly stated that any state in Nigeria that values Mr. Seyi Tinubu’s qualities can invite him to lead them, but as youths of Lagos State, who are fully capable of governing ourselves, we say no to his leadership. This means we are capable of governing ourselves and do not need an outsider to lead us.
“We are aware that some elders have compromised their stance and aligned with the current government, even at the cost of the people’s welfare. While they are free to pursue personal gains, we reject their attempts to sell the future of Lagos State to Mr. Seyi Tinubu.
“We want to take this opportunity to caution Mr. Seyi Tinubu not to be misled by those urging him to contest. We also want to remind him that Lagos is no longer the state it once was, when our predecessors made compromises with the government of the day.
“This time, as the vibrant youth of Lagos, we will not tolerate any effort to impose Mr. Seyi Tinubu on us as governor.
“The Lagos governorship seat is no longer a prize for the taking. If Seyi wishes to run, he is free to do so, but he should consider states like Osun or Oyo, where his mother hails from.”
