Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the longstanding demand for a Special Status for Lagos State, describing it as a matter of fairness and national equity.
EpeInsights reports that the Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, made the call on Saturday during the South-West Centre A (Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States) Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held at the Watercress Hotel, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu argued that Lagos, as the former federal capital, shoulders a disproportionate share of the national burden and deserves recognition and compensation for the roles it continues to play in Nigeria’s development.
“Any state that was once the federal capital of the nation cannot just inherit the assets and liabilities of the entire country, but then be forgotten of the responsibilities that come with those assets,” he stated.
“Let us be fair to the people of Lagos by granting the state a special status.”
The governor also used the platform to renew the call for State Police, insisting that the issue is not about semantics but the need to better safeguard lives and property at the local level.
“State policing is essential to protecting the people,” he emphasized.
Sanwo-Olu further urged the National Assembly to formally recognize the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos in the nation’s constitution.
He noted that since their creation in 2003, the LCDAs have significantly deepened grassroots development and improved service delivery across the state.
He described the constitutional review public hearing as a “special and invaluable chance” for residents of Lagos and the South-West region to directly shape Nigeria’s highest law, emphasizing the need for inclusiveness, equity, and justice in the review process.
Earlier in his remarks, Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the South-West Centre A Committee, reaffirmed the commitment of the committee to a transparent and inclusive constitutional review.
He assured the public that all memoranda and recommendations submitted would be carefully considered.
Goodwill messages from the Speakers of the Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo State Houses of Assembly also backed critical reforms, including constitutional recognition of Traditional Rulers, devolution of power, state policing, LCDA inclusion, transfer of waterways control to states and solutions to the region’s security challenges.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to democracy, good governance, and constitutional reform, pledging continued support for initiatives that strengthen the nation’s democratic foundations.
