De Renaissance Patriots Foundation frowns at National Assembly’s engagement with traditional rulers on Constitution Review

CITIZENS COMPASS— The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural organization dedicated to addressing the concerns of Lagos State indigenes, has expressed strong disapproval regarding the recent consultation between the leadership of the National Assembly and traditional rulers from the South West geopolitical zone.

This meeting, held on Friday July 4, 2025, covered critical issues including indigeneship and the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

The Foundation criticized the National Assembly for conducting this significant meeting without adequately involving core indigenous organizations, including De Renaissance Patriots, which had previously submitted written letters to the legislative authorities urging the dismissal of proposed bills that aim to replace indigeneship with residency.

In a statement released by its Media Office, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation leadership articulated that any constitution amendment arising from a selective and flawed public hearing process would inevitably lead Nigeria into further crisis.

The organization urged the Constitution Review Committee to rectify this procedural misstep before finalizing and advancing any related resolutions for legislative action.

The Foundation expressed its disappointment in the National Assembly’s approach, emphasizing that the body is composed of representatives of the people and should represent the people well by not being selective in its approach.

It raised concerns over the undermining of democratic principles in efforts to reshape Nigeria’s Constitution—particularly when there are prevailing sentiments that the existing 1999 Constitution is a remnant of military rule.

Vehemently rejecting the National Assembly’s selective representation of people at the public hearing held in Lagos, the Group’s statement further noted that the participation of traditional rulers alone does not constitute true representation of the diverse populace of Lagos State.

De Renaissance Patriots articulated that the marginalization of Lagos indigenes by other groups within the South West is a pressing issue, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

“It is unacceptable that attempts are being made to push through legislation that seeks to substitute indigeneship with residency, while concurrently legitimizing the establishment of 37 LCDAs with implications for the rights and status of the local population. This agenda threatens to further entrench the domination of Lagos indigenes by non-indigenes and is indicative of a broader pattern of alienation,” the statement read.

The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of Lagos indigenes, urging legislative authorities to engage comprehensively with all stakeholders in order to ensure a fair and inclusive process that accurately reflects the will of the people.

As Nigeria navigates the critical process of constitutional review, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation calls for genuine inclusivity and representation, emphasizing that the voices of all stakeholders, especially those of Lagos indigenes, must be heard and respected in shaping the future governance of the state and country.

The protocol of indigenous security of Lagos State indigenes is a priority strategy, and any effort to replace indigeneship with residency is to turn Lagos State to a ‘no man’s land’ and change their constitutional rights within the Nigerian state.