“Lagos Belongs to Yoruba People”: Tinubu’s Aide Makes U-Turn Over "No-Man’s Land" Remark
- The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has made a U-turn after serious backlash over the Lagos "No-man’s land" remark
- Bwala said there is doubt that Lagos state belongs to the Yoruba people of the southwest region of the country
- The presidential aide explained what he meant when he used the controversial remark, "Lagos is no-man's land"
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said people should not misinterpret what he meant when he said “Lagos no-man’s land."
Legit.ng earlier reported that Bwala called Lagos a “no-man’s land” and Nigeria’s economic pride, comparing it to global centres like London and New York, stressing its role as Nigeria’s engine of growth.
Source: Twitter
Bwala said Lagos is culturally and historically a Yoruba land, and there’s no argument about it.
The presidential aide stated this via his X handle @BwalaDaniel on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
“Culturally, historically, and constitutionally, Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people, and that has never been in contention. The unique identity of Lagos as a Yoruba homeland is settled and beyond dispute.
“What I emphasized was the special place Lagos occupies in Nigeria and indeed West Africa — a city that, much like New York, Paris, or London, serves as the commercial nerve center of our economy. Lagos provides every Nigerian, regardless of origin, a level playing field to thrive, and in this sense, it mirrors the diversity of our nation while remaining firmly rooted in Yoruba heritage.”
The Legal Practitioner said Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s development, and that justifies the massive investments in its infrastructure.
Bwala said any President who wants to succeed must critically support Lagos because of its involvement in Nigeria’s economy.
“My argument was, therefore, and justifiably so, for massive investments in infrastructure to sustain the economic and social responsibilities Lagos has shouldered on behalf of Nigeria.
“Any President who truly seeks to succeed must critically support Lagos, not because it is 'no man’s land,' but because it is the heartbeat of the nation’s development.”
Nigerians react to "Lagos No-Man’s Land" comment
@Richie2106
Mr. Bwala, if you had chosen your word usage carefully, you wouldn't be doing Shalaye FC. Bear in mind, this is a critical period where any ethnic or tribal slur will not go unscrutinized.
Kayode okunola
@TaxDoctorNG
Just apologize and retract your statement.
At this point, nobody can say that provocative statement and not get a backlash.
It will not matter even if you're @officialABAT himself.
Let all be guided!
@hillcrestfo
Lagos is quintessentially and undoubtedly Yoruba land. As a major economic center, it needs robust infrastructure to drive growth, enabling the federal government to reap benefits and share with other states.
@debo_rev
Copied! But as a public speaker, you should never be caught off guard with this kind of statement. Knowing how sensitive this issue has been, it’s expected of you to take caution.
@Montero1016
'No man's land' is a genocidal statement. Why? Bcos u can only turn people's ancestral lands to 'No man's land' by wiping the indigenes out like in Australia, US, and Canada.. That statement should be censored as a GENOCIDAL STATEMENT that it is!
Demolition of northerners market in Lagos
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that former Kano governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and the Arewa Consultative Forum condemned the demolition of the Alaba Rago Market in Lagos.
Traders said they lost goods and property worth billions as officials pulled down the 45-year-old market for the second time in recent months.
Both Kwankwaso and the ACF called for urgent intervention to support affected families and safeguard their livelihoods.
Source: Legit.ng
