The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the hate comments against the Igbo ethnic group posted by @Lagospedia, an X (formerly Twitter) handle claiming to be “proclaiming the virtues of Lagos”.

According to a statement signed Gboyega Akosile, the special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, @Lagospedia‘s comments were “reckless, divisive and a dangerous rhetoric”.

“The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #Igbomustgo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024,” the statement reads.

READ ALSO: ALERT: ‘Lagospedia’, a Pro-Lagos Handle, is Spreading Anti-Igbo Hate on X

“The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.

“The Governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the State, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.

“Mr. Governor enjoins Lagosians to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the State.”

Lagospedia has been gaining notoriety for publishing hate comments against the Igbo, most recently, asking them to be pushed out of the southwest.

The call violates Section 41, Subsection 1 of the Nigerian Constitution, which states: Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.

Ahead of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to begin August 1, the page has described the action as an Igbo-led attack on Lagos State.

Sam Amadi, a former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), subsequently petitioned Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, asking for everyone connected to the handle to be investigated and prosecuted.