Ohanaeze President, Dr. Solomon Ogbonna Aguene Declares Igbos Politically Homeless in Lagos — Says ‘We’re Good to Build, Not to Lead’

Dr. Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, has expressed outrage over the continual exclusion of Igbos in the local government election process across the state. Speaking from his Ikoyi residence on Saturday, he described the political treatment of Igbos as a “silent apartheid,” masked by economic partnerships but riddled with systemic exclusion.

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene emphasized that despite their massive population and economic presence in various LGAs, Igbos are routinely denied meaningful political representation. “We vote, we build, we pay tax, yet we are politically invisible in Lagos,” he said. His statements have triggered sharp responses online, with many questioning the fairness of Lagos’ democratic institutions.

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene Alleges Rigged System Against Igbo Aspirants

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene has alleged that the Lagos political framework is deliberately designed to block Igbo candidates from ascending to power. According to him, despite interest from competent and qualified Igbo aspirants, the system sidelines them during party primaries and offers little to no institutional support.

Ogbonna Aguene explained that in areas like Amuwo-Odofin, Ojo, and Surulere — where Igbos have a significant voting bloc — indigenous political leaders still dominate through behind-the-scenes maneuvering. “They make it structurally impossible for an Igbo man to even contest, let alone win,” he said, warning that such practices threaten Lagos’ future as a truly metropolitan city.

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene Cites Past Polls as Evidence of Marginalisation

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene referenced past election cycles to prove that the problem is not isolated to 2025 but part of a long-standing pattern. He cited the 2017 and 2021 LG elections as prime examples where Igbos were disenfranchised through intimidation, voter suppression, and silent disqualification.

Ogbonna Aguene stated that while Igbos continue to register, vote, and mobilize during campaigns, the electoral outcome rarely reflects their collective effort. “We are allowed to clap, not to lead. This is not democracy; it is managed inclusion with invisible boundaries,” he said, accusing the Lagos political class of hypocrisy.

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene Accuses LASIEC and Parties of Complicity

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene directed strong criticism at the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and political parties for what he calls “wilful complicity” in Igbo exclusion. He claimed that these institutions operate with double standards, where ethnicity plays a bigger role than merit or competence.

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene called on LASIEC to publicly publish ethnic breakdowns of candidates and voting patterns. “Let the data speak for itself,” he challenged, adding that hiding behind bureaucracy and silence only fuels distrust. The call has sparked demands from rights groups for immediate electoral transparency.

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene Warns Against Treating Igbos as Tenants

Ogbonna Aguene warned the Lagos political establishment that treating Igbos as mere economic guests rather than co-owners of the city could backfire. “We are not strangers. Lagos belongs to all who contribute to its greatness,” he said, urging an end to the psychological and institutional alienation of Igbos.

Ogbonna Aguene maintained that the Igbo community is not begging for special privileges but asking for constitutionally guaranteed rights. “If Lagos truly wants peace and progress, then it must honour equity. Political inclusion is not a favour — it is our right,” he added, calling on traditional rulers and party leaders to lead the healing process.

Solomon Ogbonna Aguene Demands Dialogue and Electoral Justice

Ogbonna Aguene has demanded immediate engagement between the Lagos government and ethnic stakeholders to forestall further marginalisation. He warned that continued silence on this issue could further polarize communities and weaken trust in democratic processes.

Ogbonna Aguene concluded by advocating for legal reforms, monitoring of party primaries, and full-scale electoral inclusion audits. “Let Lagos become what it claims to be — a centre of excellence, not exclusion,” he said. His message is now rallying various Igbo youth groups and civil organizations to demand change ahead of future elections.