Historic Call Renewed: Sanwo-Olu Demands Justice For Lagos In Constitutional Reforms!

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has once again urged the Federal Government to grant Lagos a Special Status, describing the long-standing demand as a matter of national fairness and historical justice.

According to iReporter Online, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, made the call during the South-West Centre A (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States) public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The event took place on Saturday at the Watercress Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos, as Nigeria’s former federal capital, shoulders unique responsibilities and national burdens, and should not be left to carry them alone. He argued that in other nations, when the capital is moved from one state to another, compensation is offered in the form of special status and support to ease the transition and long-term impact. In his words, “Any state that was once the federal capital of the nation cannot just inherit the assets and liabilities of the entire country and be forgotten. As a nation, let us be fair to the people of Lagos by granting the state a special status.”

According to iReporter Online, the governor also reiterated his administration’s backing for the creation of state police, asserting that the debate is not merely a matter of semantics but one of safeguarding lives and maintaining order. He maintained that allowing states to secure their territories will significantly improve safety and community responsiveness.

Sanwo-Olu also called on the National Assembly to formally recognize the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) established in Lagos since 2003. He noted that the LCDAs have enhanced grassroots development and brought governance closer to the people, stressing that their formal inclusion in the Constitution is long overdue.

The governor described the constitutional review process as a critical opportunity for citizens to shape the legal foundation of the country. “As we embark on this vital national task, we must be guided by equity, inclusiveness, and justice. Every voice—from every part of our communities—must be heard and taken seriously,” he said.

According to iReporter Online, Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee for promoting a transparent, participatory process. He urged all stakeholders and citizens to engage the process with purpose and clarity to ensure meaningful outcomes.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, the governor stated, “We will continue to support every initiative that strengthens our constitutional framework and deepens the roots of our democracy.”

In his address, Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Chairman of South-West Centre A, pledged the committee’s dedication to ensuring that the constitutional review reflects the diverse aspirations of Nigerians. He said every memorandum and suggestion submitted would be given due consideration at the national level.

Also lending their voices, the Speakers of the Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo State Houses of Assembly threw their support behind several key constitutional reforms. These included the formal recognition of traditional rulers, devolution of power from the federal center, approval for state policing, constitutional enlistment of the LCDAs, and the transfer of waterway permits to state governments, among others.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”