Lagos state was never Nigeria’s capital — Reno Omokri

… says state has right to rename, un-name street

Former presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri, has faulted claims that Lagos State was once the capital of Nigeria, insisting that only Lagos Island held that status, not the entire state.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Omokri tackled critics of Lagos State’s street renaming policy, arguing that many Nigerians, including activists and journalists, lack a historical understanding of Nigeria’s administrative structure.

“Lagos State was never Nigeria’s capital. Lagos Island was. The rest of the state was not,” Omokri said.

Omokri cited examples to support his claim, noting that while Lagos Island served as Nigeria’s capital until December 12, 1991, the state’s capital has always been Ikeja.

The ex-presidential aide referenced major roads on Lagos Island, such as Ahmadu Bello Way and Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, named after prominent northern and eastern Nigerians, respectively, as evidence of national representation during Lagos Island’s tenure as the federal capital.

“Even in Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, you’ll find Murtala Muhammed International Airport named after a Kano-born head of state who played a major role in the state’s creation. No Lagosian has protested that,” he said.

Omokri likened Lagos’ situation to that of London, explaining that there’s a distinction between the City of London and Greater London, which operate under different jurisdictions.

He emphasised that, like all other Nigerian states, Lagos was created to protect the culture and interests of its indigenous population. Therefore, it is within its rights to name, rename, or un-name public infrastructure based on local priorities.

“It is not the job of any state to promote the culture or heritage of another ethnic group. Every state was created to provide a space for its indigenous people to thrive,” he said.

Omokri also addressed recent criticisms from those opposed to Lagos’ street renaming decisions, urging detractors to appreciate the state’s achievements rather than stir unnecessary controversies.

“However, there is freedom of movement and association in Nigeria. Nigeria has 35 other states apart from Lagos. If you do not like Lagos State, or think it is ‘smelling’, then you have options,” he said, taking a jab at those calling for protests over the street renaming.

He further highlighted Lagos’ performance across several metrics, including timely salary payments, subsidised public transport and education, functional local government elections, and major infrastructure investments.

According to Reno Omokri, Lagos remains one of the most progressive and livable cities in Nigeria and has the constitutional authority to govern its own affairs, including the renaming of public spaces.

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