Lagos Rep Criticized for Favoring Igbo in Empowerment Scheme

The empowerment scheme initiated by Okei Joe Onuakalusi, a member of the House of Representatives for Oshodi-Isolo II, has faced backlash for reportedly favoring beneficiaries from the Southeast, particularly the Igbo, over Yoruba constituents. Wale Ajetunmobi, a senior special assistant to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and popular blogger Japhet Omojuwa condemned Onuakalusi's actions, claiming they represent discrimination against the predominant Yoruba population in the area.

The controversy intensified after a published list of beneficiaries from a foreign training program showed that 24 out of 29 participants were Igbo, with only five being Yoruba. Critics accused Onuakalusi of misusing public resources to empower his ethnic group at the expense of his constituents.

Ajetunmobi described the scheme as "outright ostracism," while Omojuwa labeled it a "discriminatory slap" against the Yoruba people. The backlash included social media criticism, with users questioning the fairness of the distribution of resources.