Lagos Governor Shuns “Your Excellency” Title

The governor of Nigeria’s most populous state has rejected the title of “Your Excellency” that is usually bestowed upon the office holder and would rather be called “Mr Governor” instead.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has only been in office for five months, tweeted a long statement yesterday explaining the reasons behind his decision.

He said “Your Excellency is a nice title that has been used to signify authority, position in government, authoritarian disposition, executive arrogance, and a demi-god mystique.  Today, I wish to drop the title and embrace a more representative one; Mr Governor”.

The statement continued “Elected and appointed persons now see themselves as oppressors who can do no wrong and must be served, rather than serve the people.  Whatever might be the reason for this myth, let us be honest, the office is occupied by a mortal who has been called upon to serve”.

Sanwo-Olu finished by saying he wished to make this move official through an executive order “that will fully ensure full compliance with this new policy”.

Titles are of extreme importance in Nigeria, where they help denote a person’s status or authority, especially those in positions of power.

Some have been quick to denigrate the governor’s decision, saying he should worry more about the real problems that Lagos faces, like infrastructure and housing.