Lagos And The Faux Lagosians

Image credit: Krucifax, Nairaland

Lagos is a cosmopolitan mega city with major conurbations. Before Abuja, it doubled as the main economic and industrial hub as well as the seat of the federal government of Nigeria. Lagos is still the economic capital of the country; it can rightfully be described as the melting pot for major industries, businesses and trading posts which has attracted public and private sector actors from across the country. 

Though the natural home to some Yorubas, Lagos belongs to Nigeria as Port Harcourt, the natural home to the Okrika and Ikwerri people in Rivers State, belongs to Nigeria. The same is true in all sections of the country. Until the the different tribal nations or geo-political regions of the country decide to go their separate ways as independent countries every Nigerian has the right to reside, work, engage in lawful enterprise, pay tax, vote and be voted for in elections anywhere in the federation. 

Behind the Cloak of Chieftancy

Founding members of the Abonnema Council of Chiefs

Note: This article was first published on 28/08/2011

Chieftaincy institutions will continue to evolve. More so in some communities in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria where the prerequisites for an individual's elevation to that erstwhile revered position has changed quite significantly recently. Recent key changes we are experiencing are not the type that strengthens a community because they occur in violation of the constitution of these communities with respect to the way individuals are accepted as members of the council of chiefs.

The chieftaincy institution is the most important one in the social and political life of these communities and its strength or weakness, therefore, reflects the fitness of the community. A community's fitness is its ability to create and manage positive change and/or its ability to withstand and manage changes that are not favourable to its long term survival.