A group, De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation, on Wednesday, kicked against the proposed constitutional amendment on indigeneship saying it will deny the rights of indigenes.

The group, in a statement called for the “Immediate cessation of all unconstitutional actions related to local government elections in Lagos.

“Full legislative rejection of the proposed indigeneship amendment. Non-interference by the federal government in state legislative affairs.

It added that the issues may have far-reaching implications not only for Lagosians but for the future of Nigeria’s democratic and federal structure.”

The statement reads: “We categorically reject the proposed constitutional amendment currently before the National Assembly, which seeks to redefine indigeneship as based on birth, prolonged residency, or marriage, rather than ancestry and historical connection to land. This legislation, if passed, will erode the cultural and constitutional rights of indigenous Nigerians, particularly the indigenous peoples of Lagos State.

“Indigeneship is a matter of heritage, not habitation. It is distinct from citizenship and must remain so in law and in practice. The proposal under consideration is a direct affront to the identity, dignity, and historical rights of indigenous communities, and it opens the door to ethnic disenfranchisement and avoidable conflict.

“We call on the Lagos State Caucus in the National Assembly to vigorously oppose this attempt to dilute indigenous rights, and we remind all lawmakers of their solemn obligation to protect the diverse ethnic foundations upon which Nigeria is built.

“History has helped us to understand where ancestral aborigines of Lagos State indigenes were coming from and where we are proud to be today. Based on these historical facts and events leading to the creation of lagos state, the indigenes can not be lectured on its creation by those who do not know our beginning. We are saddened by the fact that the state from the beginning of democratic dispensation in 1999 has been sold as a political orphan.

Lagos State is the only state in the whole of the federation where aberration is perpetuated through abuse of power and tyranny. This is an inappropriate policy that is wrong, unjust, and injurious to the pride of the indigenes. There is no doubt that dictatorship exists in the control of government formation in Lagos State whether at state, federal or local government level in terms of representation. All you find majorly are non-indigenes and a few indigenes. The resurgent ambition of the Yoruba neighbours in usurping the indigenes’ constitutional rights, benefits, and opportunities is not in the best interests of the indigenous people. What will be in the best interest of the indigenes is to have all our elective positions (Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker), Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Head of Service, Chief Judge in the state and all slots for federal appointments due to Lagos State occupied by them (indigenous Lagosians – IBILE).

“Knowing now that our present and the future of our children and grandchildren are in serious denial by the ruling elites, because of marginisation, domination, and marginal participation in governance as guaranteed by the constitution on our ancestral space, indigenes should not be denied the political heritage of their struggle in having a state of their own calling.

On the forthcoming local government elections, it said: “The Constitution clearly provides for 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State. The intention to conduct elections in additional 37 LCDAs is not only unconstitutional but also an aberration. This illegal action threatens to undermine the autonomy of the constitutionally recognized 20 Local Government Councils in the state. We are of the view that the additional 37 LCDAs, illegally created but now being considered at the National Assembly, should be vigorously pursued to a logical conclusion so the state can have the financial and moral benefits of local governments creation.

“We call on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to strictly adhere to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urge political parties to field indigenous candidates who reflect the cultural and political heritage of the people of Lagos State.”

On the alleged withdrawal of security details from two Lagos monarchs, the group said: “We allegedly heard that security personnel attached to two revered Lagos monarchs, Oba Oniru and Oba Saheed Elegushi have been withdrawn. If this is true, and we hope it is not true, then it will be condemnable.

“Such actions not only endanger their lives and the stability of their domains but also signify a broader pattern of disregard for traditional institutions that have long safeguarded peace and cohesion in Lagos.

“We urge the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to immediately restore all security measures around traditional leaders, whose roles are vital in maintaining communal harmony and cultural identity.”