Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has clarified his position on the ownership of Lagos State, affirming that the state historically and constitutionally belongs to the Yoruba people.
Bwala came under fire after describing Lagos as a “no man’s land” during an appearance on Arise Television’s Daybreak programme.
The remark quickly generated backlash across social media, with many accusing him of downplaying the cultural heritage of the state.
Reacting through his official X handle, the presidential aide said his words had been taken out of context.
He stressed that while Lagos is Nigeria’s foremost commercial hub and attracts people from all parts of the country, its Yoruba identity remains unquestionable.
“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,” Bwala wrote.
He likened Lagos to global economic capitals such as New York, London, and Paris, arguing that its cosmopolitan nature does not diminish its cultural roots but rather underscores its role as a national economic powerhouse.
“What I emphasised 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 centre 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,” he added.
Bwala explained that his main point was the need for massive federal investment in Lagos to sustain the heavy economic and social responsibilities the state shoulders on behalf of the nation.
“Such support is not because Lagos is ‘no man’s land,’ but because it is the heartbeat of the nation’s development,” he clarified.
During his earlier interview, Bwala had argued that Lagos’ cosmopolitan character justified the concentration of federal projects in the state, citing it as Nigeria’s hub of commerce and “the pride of the country.”
