The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, has explained why he used the phrase ‘melting pot’ while addressing those criticising him for welcoming an artist accused of cultural appropriation.

In a statement, Aregbe described Lagos as a cultural melting pot, a phrase many found offensive, claiming it aims to erase the Yoruba culture and heritage that moulded Lagos. This led to calls for his sacking, with several X Spaces convened to question whether he understands his role as a Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

In a new statement, Aregbe, who works with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, clarified his earlier usage of the phrase, asserting that “Lagos is Yoruba land. This is undeniable, indisputable and eternal.”

He said, “While it is a city of opportunities that has welcomed people from across Nigeria and beyond, those who thrive on its soil must acknowledge the hospitality of the Yoruba people who built and continue to sustain its cultural foundation, which remains unbreakable.

“At the same time, Lagos has always been a place where people come to fulfil their dreams. No one must deny that history, just as no one should disrespect the Yoruba roots of this city. To do otherwise is to work against both our heritage and our history.

“The earlier phrase, ‘melting pot,’ was meant to describe the accommodating spirit of the Yoruba people. It should not be taken for granted or leveraged to undermine Yoruba culture and heritage.”

Sanwo-Olu’s aide also revealed what he discussed with the artist, Uzo Njoku, whom he met with, as seen in a video.

The Guardian reported that Njoku, also known as Uzo Art, was criticised by X users for labelling her upcoming event as ‘Owambe Lagos Party’. According to them, Owambe is a bastardised spelling of the Yoruba word, Owanbe. They also criticised her promo video, saying she stripped Yoruba from the culture and heritage her show is about and tagged it ‘Lagos Culture’.

In his statement, Aregbe said he also made the same point to the artist when she visited him alongside a blogger, Noble Igwe.

He said, “Owanbe, in any form, is not borrowed; it is Yoruba culture, a point I made clear to my visitors. As a thoroughbred Yoruba man, I stand firmly against any distortion or exploitation of our culture, and I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Yoruba cultural heritage.”(The Guardian)

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