By: Manoah Kikekon
The youths and leadership of Oglogbo Community in Badagry West LCDA has firmly rejected the use of the name "Arewa Community" within their territory. Owing to several misconception that has emerged as a result of the name.
The issue was publicly addressed at a youth summit organized by the Arewa Youth Organization in Oglogbo, where a top community official laid down a clear directive on the naming conventions for all groups operating in the area, emphasizing indivisible unity.
Comrade Brose Timothy Semasa, the Chairman of the Oglogbo Community Development Association (CDA) and Financial Secretary of the Community Development Committee (CDC) for Badagry West LCDA, delivered the clarification on Saturday, December 20th, 2025. He stated that the controversy stemmed from the naming and addressing of organizations within Oglogbo, a matter that has caused significant debate among residents and indigenous community members.
“It is important to clearly state that Oglogbo is one indivisible community,” Semasa said. “Therefore, any organization, association, or group operating within the community must properly and clearly indicate Oglogbo Community in its official name and address.” He asserted that the name “Arewa Community Youth Organization” is inappropriate and misleading, as there is no separate or independent entity known as “Arewa Community” in Oglogbo.
Semasa prescribed the correct format, which must read: "AREWA YOUTH ORGANIZATION, OGLOGBO COMMUNITY, KWEME KINGDOM, BADAGRY WEST LCDA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA." This naming structure, he explained, accurately reflects that the group represents people of Northern Nigerian (Arewa) heritage residing in Oglogbo, without implying territorial ownership or establishing a parallel community structure that could foster division.
To provide context, the community leader elaborated on the meaning of a community from traditional and indigenous perspectives. He defined a community as a group connected by common identity, shared space, culture, values, and collective responsibility, thriving on mutual cooperation, recognized leadership, and norms that promote harmony. “Oglogbo Community remains a traditional Ogu/Egun land, united under its recognized leadership and cultural heritage,” Semasa affirmed.
In an educational move, Semasa also explained the term "Arewa" for public enlightenment. He noted that while "Arewa" literally means "North" in Hausa and represents the cultural identity of Northern Nigeria encompassing its people, culture, and socio-political interests—its usage in non-Northern contexts should reflect cultural identity, not territorial claims. Examples include groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and various Arewa youth associations.
The leader concluded by acknowledging that Arewa people in Oglogbo are law-abiding residents and valued community members who live peacefully alongside indigenous inhabitants. However, he firmly warned that the formation and naming of their organizations must not create confusion, division, or crisis within the singular framework of Oglogbo Community.
Reiterating Oglogbo's longstanding principles of unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, Semasa urged all associations to respect community traditions, leadership, and established norms. This clarification from Badagry West leadership aims to settle the naming dispute decisively, ensuring all groups align with local protocols for the sustained peace and development of Oglogbo Community in Lagos State.