A public affairs analyst and Nigerian in the diaspora, Abanikanda Olumoro, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the nomination of Otunba Femi Pedro as an ambassadorial nominee representing Lagos State, describing the decision as unjust and unfair to the indigenes of the state.
In a statement titled “President Tinubu, Please Femi Pedro Cannot Represent Lagos State as Ambassador,” Olumoro, based in the United Kingdom, claimed that Pedro, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos, is not an indigene of the state and should not be appointed to represent it in any official capacity at the federal level.
The federal government had recently forwarded the names of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, almost two years after Tinubu assumed office.
The development marks a significant move in strengthening Nigeria’s foreign missions and international relations.
However, Olumoro faulted the inclusion of Pedro in the list, describing his selection as a “repetition of a historical injustice” to the indigenous people of Lagos.
According to him, Pedro hails from Ogun State and has only benefited from Lagos as a long-term resident.
“While the President, in his wisdom, picked ambassadorial nominees representing their respective states in the country, he still erroneously picked again this time a non-indigene, Femi Pedro, who – to the best of my knowledge – is not from Lagos State,” he wrote.
He argued that Pedro’s previous position as Deputy Governor of Lagos was circumstantial and not a basis to claim indigeneship or represent the state in the ambassadorial role.
Olumoro expressed concern that Lagos indigenes have continued to be sidelined in key political appointments under Tinubu’s leadership despite the availability of qualified persons within the state.
“It is now becoming clearer that Mr. President prefers Yoruba South-West individuals who are not Lagos indigenes to occupy positions that should constitutionally go to the indigenes.
The indigenes are feeling the impact of the domination by other South-West states’ indigenes, and they are not happy,” he added.
He called on the Department of State Services, the National Assembly, and relevant authorities to ensure that ambassadorial nominations reflect the genuine identities of the states being represented.
Olumoro also alleged that Pedro had in the past made derogatory remarks about Lagos indigenes, questioning their significance and number, further affirming his disconnect from the state’s heritage.
“There are many qualified Lagos State indigenes who are also members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that could fit into the ambassadorial slot to fill the position,” he insisted.
The public affairs analyst called on President Tinubu to replace Pedro with a bonafide indigene of Lagos in the spirit of justice, equity, and proper representation.
Pedro, a seasoned banker and politician, served as Deputy Governor of Lagos State from 2003 to 2007 under Tinubu’s administration.
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