Ohanaeze Leader Decries Marginalisation of Igbos in Lagos Local Government Elections

Dr. Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-cultural group in Lagos State, has condemned what he described as the ongoing marginalisation of Igbos during the state’s local government elections.

Speaking from his Ikoyi residence on Saturday, Dr. Aguene voiced serious concern over what he called a persistent pattern of political exclusion and voter suppression targeting the Igbo community in Lagos.

He noted that many Igbos were either barred from voting or deliberately sidelined from the electoral process, calling the practice a long-standing issue rather than a one-time occurrence.

“This is not unique to this election—it happens every time,” he said. “Despite our enormous contributions to the economic and social growth of Lagos, we are still treated as outsiders when it comes to politics.”

Dr. Aguene alleged that Igbo candidates are regularly denied the opportunity to contest key positions such as local government chairman or councillor. At best, he said, one or two Igbos may serve as vice chairmen—an exception rather than the rule.

He further criticized the state’s political environment, saying it falls far short of the democratic ideals of fairness, inclusivity, and equal representation.

“What we have is not democracy, but a system hijacked by opportunists who suppress the will of the people. This discourages genuine participation and fuels voter apathy,” he said.

Calling for reforms, Dr. Aguene urged political leaders to embrace a more inclusive system that acknowledges and respects the rights of all ethnic groups—especially those, like the Igbos, who have invested heavily in the development of Lagos.