IBILE Eko: Engr. Gbajumo Decries Marginalization, Calls for Urgent Action

Engr. Ahmed Olalekan Gbajumo highlighted the marginalization of Indigenous Lagosians, stressing the loss of land, culture, and political voice.
He called for legal protection of land rights, economic empowerment, and better representation for Indigenous communities.
Engr. Gbajumo urged collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure indigenous inclusion in Lagos’ growth.

In a statement released on Thursday, February 27, 2025, by Engr. Ahmed Olalekan Gbajumo, Treasurer of the IBILE Eko Summit Group, who highlighted growing concerns of Indigenous Lagosians’ marginalization, emphasized the urgent need for recognition and justice.

The statement was made at the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos, held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to discuss the challenges facing the original inhabitants of the city.

Lagos, often referred to as Nigeria’s economic heartbeat, has long been a melting pot of cultures.

EDITOR’S PICKS

However, Engr. Gbajumo pointed out that beneath the city’s thriving economy and cosmopolitan identity, there lies a struggle for the Indigenous people, who are rapidly losing their lands, culture, and representation.

Indigenous Lagosians Struggling Amid Urban Growth

Eng. Gbajumo explained that the Indigenous people of Lagos—descendants of the Awori, Egun, Benin, and other ethnic groups—have been the original inhabitants of the land for centuries. Historically, these communities relied on fishing, farming, and trade, but the rapid urbanization of Lagos has displaced many Indigenous people from their ancestral homes.

“One of the biggest issues we face is the loss of our ancestral lands. As Lagos grows, much of the land that once belonged to us has been taken by developers and the government with little or no compensation,” said Gbajumo. “These lands are not just economic assets; they hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Their loss erodes our identity.”

Economic, Political, and Cultural Exclusion

He also addressed the broader issues facing the Indigenous communities, including economic exclusion, political underrepresentation, and the erosion of cultural heritage.

Also, Engr. Gbajumo revealed that as Lagos gets more expensive and competitive, traditional livelihoods like fishing and farming have become unsustainable. “Indigenous Lagosians are struggling to compete in this new economy,” Eng. Gbajumo noted. “Without proper access to education and job opportunities, many have been pushed further into poverty.”

According to Engr. Gbajumo, Indigenous Lagosians are underrepresented in local governance structures, despite being the city’s original inhabitants. “Policies and decisions affecting our communities are often made without consulting us, and that needs to change,” he said.

The cultural impact has also been significant. Gbajumo warned that the younger generation is increasingly disconnected from their heritage, opting to embrace globalized cultures, which threatens the preservation of traditional practices and languages.

Call for Recognition and Justice

In response to these challenges, the IBILE Eko Summit Group has called for urgent action. Gbajumo outlined several key measures to address the marginalization of Indigenous Lagosians, including:

Land Rights and Compensation: Indigenous communities should be legally recognized, and their ancestral lands must be protected from unfair acquisition. Any land development should involve transparent processes and fair compensation.
Economic Empowerment: Initiatives that provide vocational training, microfinance support, and protection for traditional livelihoods should be implemented to empower Indigenous Lagosians economically.
Political Representation: He called for policies that ensure Indigenous Lagosians have a voice in the governance of their city. “We need to be represented at every level of decision-making,” he stated.
Cultural Preservation: The cultural heritage of Indigenous Lagosians must be safeguarded, including the establishment of cultural centers, the integration of Indigenous history into school curricula, and the promotion of traditional festivals.
Community Engagement in Development: He emphasized the importance of consulting Indigenous communities before any development projects are carried out in their areas. “Their input must be heard and respected,” he added.