Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on the National Assembly to grant the state special status and formally recognize its 37 Local Council Development Areas in the ongoing constitutional review.
The governor made the appeal during the South-West Zonal Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos, despite its economic significance and population density, has been treated unfairly compared to other states. He noted that while Kano and Lagos were created in 1967, Kano was later split into two states (Kano and Jigawa), increasing its local governments to 44, while Lagos remains with only 20.
“As a nation, we cannot and we should not continue to deceive ourselves. We must be guided by the principle of inclusiveness, equity and justice,” Sanwo-Olu said. “It is not about emotion, it is about facts and fairness. Is that fair? Is that right?”
The governor stressed that the 37 LCDAs, established since 2000, deserve constitutional recognition. “Can we have a child that is 25 years old and without giving them a birth certificate? Let us get our birth certificates,” he argued. He also cited international examples, stating, “This issue of special status for Lagos is not unique; it is the same in Brazil, Indonesia, and others.”
Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the state’s population disparity, pointing out that Alimosho Local Government alone had a population of 1.37 million in 2006—nearly matching the entire population of Bayelsa State (1.67 million). He called for genuine federalism, devolution of powers, state police, electoral and judicial reforms, and special seats for women in governance.
Corroborating the governor’s stance, former Deputy Governor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye asserted that Lagos had met all conditions for LCDA recognition. Former Works Minister Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and traditional ruler Oba Semiu Kasali also backed the demand for special status and constitutional roles for traditional institutions.
Dr. Ibrahim Isiaka, Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, assured stakeholders that the National Assembly would consider all submissions.
