Ebute-Metta West Stakeholders Allege Political Marginalisation, Seek Intervention

Bennett Oghifo

Leaders and stakeholders from Ebute-Metta West in Lagos Mainland Local Government have raised concerns over what they described as decades of political marginalisation, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene and restore equity in the political representation of the area.

Speaking at a press briefing themed ‘Marginalisation of Ebute-Metta West Since 1999’, representatives of the community said the area had been consistently excluded from elective and major appointive political offices within Lagos Mainland Local Government despite its contributions to the electoral success of the ruling party.

Addressing the gathering, which included party leaders, members of the media and community stakeholders, the group expressed gratitude to God for witnessing what they described as a historic moment, noting that events such as the gathering often shape the course of history.

The spokesperson, speaking on behalf of residents of Ebute-Metta West, said agitation for fair representation in the political structure of Lagos Mainland Local Government had persisted since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.

According to a statement issued later, which was jointly signed by Engr. Oladipo Falashe, Chairman, and Comrade Dapo Williams, Secretary, on behalf of stakeholders from Ebute-Metta West, the group said despite the consistent support of residents of Ebute-Metta West for the progressive political movement in Lagos—from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and now the APC—the community had repeatedly been denied opportunities to hold key political offices through elections or appointments.

They explained that the demand for fairness could only be properly understood against the historical background of Lagos Mainland Local Government.

Historical records show that Lagos Mainland Local Government was created in 1977 following the nationwide local government reforms of 1976. The council was carved out of the former Lagos City Council, which previously administered the entire Lagos metropolitan area, covering both the mainland and the island.

Following its establishment, Lagos Mainland became a distinct administrative entity from Lagos Island. Further restructuring occurred in 1991, when parts of the local government were separated, including Surulere. Later, with the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Yaba LCDA was established to oversee communities such as Alagomeji, Abule-Oja, Abule-Ijesha, Makoko, Iwaya and Igbobi.

Today, Lagos Mainland Local Government remains one of the most densely populated and economically vibrant areas in Lagos State. Covering approximately 20.18 square kilometres, it includes major neighbourhoods such as Yaba, Oyingbo, Iddo, Otto, Olaleye Village, Makoko and Igbobi.

The area is estimated to have a population of about 483,600 people, translating to a density of nearly 24,000 residents per square kilometre.

It also hosts several prominent institutions including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, the Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), the Nigerian Railway Corporation headquarters, the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta, the Oyingbo International Market and the historic Iddo Railway Terminus.

The speakers also highlighted the historical significance of Ebute-Metta itself, describing it as one of the earliest developed settlements in Lagos. The growth of the community was closely linked to the construction of the railway line in 1901, which transformed the area into a residential hub for railway workers.

During its development in the colonial era, the town was divided into Ebute-Metta East and Ebute-Metta West. Historically, the land forms part of the domain of the Oloto Royal Family, while early settlers included Egba refugees, giving rise to the name Ago-Egba.

By the early 20th century, particularly between the 1920s and 1940s, Ebute-Metta had developed into a structured urban community with several streets named after missionaries and colonial administrators.

Despite its historical importance and political contributions, community leaders argued that Ebute-Metta West had been largely excluded from the political leadership of Lagos Mainland Local Government.

They presented a record of political office holders since 1999, noting that most chairmen of the local government had emerged from Ebute-Metta East, Yaba or other parts of the council area.

For instance, Hon. Bashir O. Bolarinwa served multiple terms as chairman between 1999 and 2008 from Ebute-Metta East, while other leaders such as Hon. Oladele Adekanye and Hon. Rasheedat O. Essien also emerged from the same area in subsequent administrations.

Similarly, representation at the Lagos State House of Assembly had largely been dominated by candidates from Ebute-Metta East and other areas, including Otto.

At the federal level, the House of Representatives seat for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency had also rotated mainly between Yaba and Ebute-Metta East.

The community leaders noted that political heavyweights such as the late Joseph Lambo, the late Funsho Williams, the late Prince Kayode Olowu, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Mr. Deji Wellington, the late Hon. Dapo Thomas, Hon. Monsuru Alao Owolabi (Bertola), Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa and Hon. Jide Jimoh had all played prominent roles in shaping the political landscape of Lagos Mainland.

However, they argued that the dominance of certain areas in elective positions had raised persistent concerns about equity and fairness.

They cited the 2023 general elections as an example, noting that when former House of Representatives member Hon. Jide Jimoh completed his second tenure representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, residents of Ebute-Metta West expected the seat to rotate to their community.

Instead, the ticket again went to a candidate from Yaba, which, according to them, means the area could potentially hold the position for 12 consecutive years and accumulate nearly two decades of representation.

“This is the height of injustice, oppression and marginalisation,” the group stated, adding that Ebute-Metta West had never produced a representative in the House of Representatives since 1999.

They therefore appealed to President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, the APC State Chairman and members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to intervene and ensure a more balanced distribution of political opportunities within Lagos Mainland.

As part of their appeal, the stakeholders formally presented Prince Abdul Akeem Omolaja Animashaun, Esq., as their consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.

According to them, Animashaun, a legal practitioner, possesses the experience, energy and leadership qualities required to represent the constituency effectively.

They described him as “young, articulate, vibrant, intelligent and compassionate,” adding that his candidature would not only address the issue of marginalisation but also strengthen the party’s political structure in the area.