Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described Lagos as the “Yoruba United States,” underscoring its role as Nigeria’s unrivaled economic powerhouse and a melting pot of diverse cultures, tribes, and faiths.
The governor made the remark during his keynote speech at the South-West Citizen–Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday.
The gathering brought together governors from the region, traditional rulers, business leaders, and other influential figures.
Speaking with pride, Sanwo-Olu declared:
“I stand here not just as one of the South-West governors, but as the leader of the state with the largest population in Nigeria — the commercial and economic heartbeat of our nation.
A state that is home to every tribe, religion, and race in our country, yet, fundamentally, a Yoruba United States that keeps redefining progress and setting the benchmark for Nigeria.”
Push for Regional Revival
In a follow-up post on his verified social media handles, the governor called on South-West leaders and citizens to harness unity and collective vision to drive Nigeria’s next phase of development.
He pointed to the newly established South-West Development Commission — a brainchild of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — as a strategic tool to replicate the transformative regional planning pioneered by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the old Western Region.
Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism about the Tinubu administration’s reforms, stating that the economy is rebounding, investor confidence is returning, and systemic stability is taking root.
He linked these national gains to Lagos-specific mega-projects, including the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge, the Green Line rail system, and the Lekki International Airport, which he said would create jobs, boost commerce, and improve quality of life.
“The South-West has the talent, the history, and the will to lead Nigeria’s rebirth,” he insisted.
The governor’s “Yoruba United States” phrasing quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions online.
While many hailed the bold identity assertion, others urged tangible policies to prioritize indigenous Yoruba interests in the state.
