Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has dismissed claims that Lagos State is a “no-man’s land,” stating categorically that Lagos was never Nigeria’s capital, only Lagos Island was.

In a piece shared on Monday via his verified 𝕏 handle, Omokri tackled what he described as “ignorance” displayed by some activists and journalists regarding the history and political structure of Lagos.

According to Omokri, the notion that Lagos, by virtue of being a former capital, belongs to no one and should reflect the culture of all Nigerians is historically flawed.

“Lagos State was never Nigeria’s capital. Yes, Lagos Island was once Nigeria’s capital. But the rest of the state was not,” he stated.

Drawing parallels with the UK, Omokri explained: “It is just like London. There is a difference between the City of London and Greater London. They are under different governments.”

The social media commentator noted that Lagos Island has long reflected Nigeria’s diversity, citing key infrastructure named after prominent figures from other ethnic groups.

“The two most prominent roads on Lagos Island are Ahmadu Bello Way and Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue. These are not minor streets but billion-dollar waterfront roads housing embassies and major institutions,” he said.

He also pointed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, named after a man from Kano, as proof that Lagosians have historically embraced national symbols without agitation.

Lagos Has The Right To Prioritise Its Indigenes – Omokri Insists

Omokri argued that, like any other state, Lagos State has the constitutional right to frame policies that preserve its culture and prioritise its indigenes.

“It is not cheating. It is the reason the Federal Government created states in the first place. To give specific Nigerian ethnicities their own space for their culture to thrive,” he said.

“While inclusivity is good, it is not the duty of any state other than one’s own to promote your own heritage.”

He likened this to the United States, where states retain the liberty to adopt divergent social and political positions on issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights.

‘If You Don’t Like Lagos, Nigeria Has 35 Other States’ – Omokri Tells Critics

Omokri further stated that anyone uncomfortable with Lagos has the freedom to relocate to other parts of Nigeria.

“Nigeria has 35 other states apart from Lagos. If you do not like Lagos State, or think it is ‘smelling’, then you have options,” he said.

He also noted that according to the United Nations, the most polluted city and state on Earth are not in Lagos — urging critics to fact-check before condemning.

The former presidential aide highlighted Lagos State’s track record in governance and infrastructure, listing achievements that set the state apart from others:

Lagos pays above minimum wage
Lagos does not owe civil servants
Lagos subsidises public education and transportation
Lagos conducts regular LGA elections
The Governor does not interfere with LGA funds
Lagos provides soup kitchens and subsidised farmers’ markets
Lagos is heavily invested in public infrastructure
Lagos is ranked the 19th best city to live in the world by TimeOut Magazine

Addressing ongoing protests about the renaming of streets in Lagos, Omokri cautioned against using such actions as a cover for orchestrated chaos.

“If you want to use the renaming of streets in Lagos as an excuse to protest, and use your protest as a ploy to destroy Lagos, it will not be tolerated,” he stated.

Omokri concluded by reiterating that Lagos, like every other state, deserves the freedom to shape its identity without undue interference from external actors or misguided narratives.