Sanwo-Olu Commissioner Attacks Nigerian Over ‘Smelling, Expensive Lagos’ Comment
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has attacked a Nigerian who said the state has open drainages, smells and yet is expensive.
In an X post on Saturday, Wahab expressed concern over what he described as “deliberate efforts” by a select few to tarnish the reputation of Lagos.
The post was a direct reference to a social media user Scott Iguma, who had in a podcast stated that landed and housing properties in Lagos are over priced beyond their actual value.
He said the state lacks proper drainage system, adding that there are mosquitoes everywhere in the city.
“I don’t see reasons why lands in Ikoyi, Ikate are going for N1bn. What’s in the Land? Are there mineral resources there? We flex over it that when you buy land before next year it will be times two.
“Why should it be times two? If a property is going for N800m in a country where we are just 65 years old, what will happen in 2050?,” Iguma said.
“Lagos is smelling. There’re lots of big mosquitoes in Lagos. We’ve open drainages, open gutters.”
However, Wahab emphasized that while constructive criticism is welcome and necessary for growth, there is a growing trend of harmful narratives being spread under the guise of critique.
“It is regrettable that some who relocate from their home states in pursuit of better opportunities quickly, in less than a month or two, resort to disparaging the very state that has provided them the platform to thrive,” Wahab stated.
He criticized the misuse of social media followings by individuals who, according to him, propagate divisive agendas and undermine the progress and inclusivity that Lagos represents.
The Commissioner noted that Lagos remains a place of opportunity, innovation, and resilience, calling on citizens to uphold the state’s integrity and contribute positively to its development.
Wahab urged Iguma to also scrutinize other states in the country not just focus on Lagos.
“Dear @IgumaScott I do hope that you will put this same energy in ‘looking out’ for other states. I wish you all the best!,” he added.
Wahab’s comments come amid increased online discourse about sanitation in Lagos.
In March, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye also known as Raye, went viral for her criticism of the government, and calling Lagos a “smelling state”.
Sanwo-Olu Commissioner Attacks Nigerian Over ‘Smelling, Expensive Lagos’ Comment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
