Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu describes Lagos as the “Yoruba United States” during the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit in Akure, calling for unity and regional collaboration for Nigeria’s renewal
Lagos Is Yoruba United States — Sanwo-Olu Declares at South-West Engagement Summit
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described Lagos State as a “Yoruba United States” that continues to set the pace for Nigeria’s development and unity.
Sanwo-Olu made the remark on Wednesday while addressing leaders and citizens at the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State. The event brought together governors, traditional rulers, and leading figures from across the region to discuss strategies for regional cooperation and progress.
“I stand here not only as a humble leader among the South-West governors but also as the governor of the largest population in our country — the economic and commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, the state of aquatic splendour, a state that houses almost every tribe, religion and race of our country, but more importantly, a Yoruba United States that continues to reimage and set a pace for our country,” Sanwo-Olu declared.
The Lagos governor urged the South-West to once again lead Nigeria’s renewal through unity, shared vision, and genuine collaboration across the region’s states and communities.
He noted that the newly established South-West Development Commission, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and backed by the National Assembly, provides an opportunity to recreate the kind of coordinated regional growth last witnessed under Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Western Region.
“With the South-West Development Commission, we now have a platform to plan and deliver the kind of regional progress that once defined the Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms, stressing that they are gradually restoring confidence, attracting investment, and positioning Nigeria for long-term stability.
“For us in Lagos, this progress opens new doors for transformative projects like the 4th Mainland Bridge, the Green Line, and the Lekki International Airport. With stronger investor confidence, these initiatives will transform lives and strengthen our economy,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu further urged Yoruba leaders and citizens to harness their shared spirit of innovation and courage to lead Nigeria’s rebirth.
“The South-West can, and must, lead Nigeria’s rebirth. The spirit of innovation and courage that shaped our past still lives in us today, and together, we will rise to this moment,” he affirmed.
His remarks sparked wide discussion on social media, with many Yoruba nationalists applauding his bold description of Lagos as the “Yoruba United States.”
An X user, @AKakanfo, wrote: “Lagos State is the United States of the Yoruba race… Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, I have criticised you before, but I’m impressed with your brilliant submission today. This is the kind of speech that makes Yoruba nationalists proud.”
Another user, @Balogun_Iyanda, commented: “@jidesanwoolu has not gotten my flowers yet, until he follows his words with actions that empower Yoruba people in Lagos. Lagos is Yorubaland and must favour Yoruba people first.”
A third user, @Temmyman_, added:“We don’t ask much from our leaders; they should just think Yoruba first. We are not troublemakers; we only want our identity protected.”
Sanwo-Olu’s statement and the responses it has drawn highlight the growing conversation around regional identity, governance, and the Yoruba role in shaping Nigeria’s national destiny. Read More
