In response to the recent statements by De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, published on June 2, 2024, the Awori Heritage of North America has issued a strong rebuttal. They have categorically distanced themselves from the Foundation’s claims of representing Lagos indigenes regarding the proposed bill to reinstate regional governance in Nigeria.
The Awori Heritage of North America clarified that, along with the true indigenes and landowners of Lagos, they do not recognize De Renaissance Patriots Foundation as their spokesperson. They emphasized that any assertion by this group does not reflect the views of Lagos’ authentic stakeholders.
“It is imperative to highlight that if regionalism were ever to be reinstated, Lagos state, represented by the Aworis and its landowners, would firmly align with the South-West region. We are Yoruba, intrinsically connected to the Southwest, and we reject any attempts to segregate us from our cultural and historical roots,” the group stated.
The Awori Heritage of North America urged De Renaissance Patriots Foundation to cease their misrepresentation and respect the genuine voices of Lagos indigenes. They stressed that any decisions regarding regional governance should be made with proper consultation of the rightful stakeholders, ensuring that the heritage and unity of Lagos within the Yoruba community are preserved.
This rebuttal underscores the unwavering stance of the Awori Heritage of North America and Lagos indigenes: they are, and will always be, an integral part of the South-West region.