February 10, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Ife Salako has reaffirmed that Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people, emphasizing that despite its cosmopolitan nature, the city’s ownership is unequivocal.
In a recent video made available to The Yoruba Times, Salako stressed that Lagos’ identity as a Yoruba city must be acknowledged and respected.
“Yes, we know because of the nature of Lagos, a cosmopolitan city, Igbo, Hausa lives in Lagos, fine, but at the end of the day, Lagos belongs to Yoruba People,” Salako stated.
This assertion underscores the importance of recognizing the historical and cultural ties between the Yoruba people and the city of Lagos.
Salako also cautioned against conflating party affiliations with tribal identities, stressing that they are distinct entities. “No one should come and turn party to tribe then tribe to party…. Party is party and tribe is tribe,” Salako warned.
This warning highlights the need for individuals to separate their political affiliations from their ethnic identities, promoting a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between politics, culture, and identity.
Furthermore, Salako highlighted the uniqueness of Yoruba ethnic group, noting that the Yoruba identity should be respected.
“APC is APC, Yoruba is Yoruba, Igbo is Igbo and Hausa is Hausa, and they’re not the same,” he emphasized.
Salako’s statements have raised a renewed conversation about identity, culture, and belonging in Lagos.
As Lagos continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the histories and traditions it people.
