The Real Founders Of Lagos State Nigeria Unveiled According To Historical Facts!

Deciphering the True Founders of Lagos: A Historical Perspective

The history of Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant coastal state, has always been a subject of intriguing debates. Recently, the discussion was rekindled by a statement from the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. During his visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he asserted that his ancestors were responsible for the founding of Lagos, particularly its core areas. This claim has since sparked a flurry of reactions across Nigeria.

Oba Ewuare II’s statement during his visit in November was clear: “It is in the history books that the Binis founded Lagos. Maybe not all over Lagos as we know it now but certain areas in Lagos, maybe the nucleus of Lagos, were founded by my ancestors.” He even suggested that the Oba of Lagos would agree with his viewpoint. In 2017, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, did echo a similar sentiment, attributing Lagos’s foundation to Prince Ado, a Bini prince. He stated, “Modern-day Lagos was founded by Prince Ado, the son of the Oba of Benin. Prince Ado was the first Oba of Lagos.”

However, not everyone agrees with this perspective. Various Lagos traditional rulers, academics, and some of the oldest history books offer a different narrative. For instance, the Balogun of Eko, Abisoye Oshodi, challenged the Oba of Benin’s claim in a recent online video. He acknowledged the presence of Bini ancestors in a part of Lagos but emphasized that several other tribes, including the Aworis, Isheris, and Olofins, had already been residing in Lagos before it became known as Eko.

Dr. Paul Akanmidu, a lecturer of History at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, supports the view that the Awori people from Abeokuta were the original founders of Lagos. This stands in contrast to Oba Akiolu’s suggestion that the Awori tribe originated from Benin. Akanmidu asserts that the proximity of the Awori to Lagos, coupled with their fishing activities, places them at the historical forefront of the city’s origins. The history of Lagos, he argues, is a tapestry woven from the diverse peoples who settled there.

An examination of historical texts also reveals fascinating insights. John B. Losi’s Iwe Itan Eko, published in 1913, and its English translation, History of Lagos, as well as other authoritative works, strongly suggest that the Yoruba people, and not the Benin, were the founders of Lagos. Losi’s account mentions Ogunfunminire, a hunter of the royal family of Ile-Ife, as the first to settle in Isheri, part of modern-day Lagos.

Notably, the first book on Benin history, Jacob Egharevba’s Ekhere vb Itan Edo (Short History of Benin), was published two decades after Iwe Itan Eko. This further strengthens the argument that Yoruba, rather than Benin, founded Lagos. Even the Oba of Benin’s ancestor, Akenzua II, referred to Lagos as a conquest rather than a creation of Benin, differing from the current Oba’s claim.

Further, the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, criticized the Benin monarch’s statement. He insisted that all historical records show that the Awori people, and not Benin, were the rightful claimants to Lagos. He labeled the Oba of Benin’s claims as unfounded and attention-seeking.

This debate is not just about territorial claims but also about the rich cultural and historical fabric that makes Lagos a unique melting pot of diverse ethnicities and traditions. Lagos’s history reflects a confluence of influences from the Awori, Benin, Ilaje, and other groups who have contributed to its development over the centuries. While the debate on Lagos’s origins continues, it is clear that the city’s history is a complex interplay of different cultures and peoples, each leaving an indelible mark on its evolution.

The tapestry of Lagos’ history is further enriched by the contributions of various other groups over the centuries. This includes not only the Awori and Benin people but also the Ilaje, as well as returnees from the Americas. The latter group, often referred to as Saro (from Sierra Leone) and Amaro (from Brazil and Cuba), brought with them diverse cultural influences that are still evident in Lagos’ architecture, cuisine, and arts.

The history of Lagos is not just a story of conquest and migration but also one of cultural synthesis. For instance, the Brazilian Quarters in Lagos Island, with its distinctive Brazilian-Portuguese architectural style, is a testament to the influence of returnees from Brazil. These returnees, who were originally taken from Africa as slaves, brought back with them the architectural styles of their former captors, enriching the Lagos cityscape.

Moreover, the linguistic diversity in Lagos is a clear indicator of its multicultural roots. The city’s linguistic tapestry includes Yoruba, Edo, English, Portuguese, and even Pidgin, a creole language that evolved as a result of interactions among various ethnic groups in colonial times.

The cultural diversity of Lagos is also reflected in its vibrant arts scene, which ranges from traditional Yoruba music and dance to contemporary Nigerian pop, known globally as Afrobeats. The city’s music scene has been influenced by a variety of sources, including traditional Yoruba rhythms, Afro-Brazilian music brought back by the Amaro, and contemporary global trends.

Lagos’ culinary scene is equally diverse, offering a blend of traditional Nigerian dishes alongside influences from other parts of Africa and the world. This culinary diversity is a direct result of the city’s history as a melting pot of cultures and peoples.

The debate about the founding of Lagos goes beyond historical claims and speaks to the heart of the city’s identity as a cosmopolitan metropolis. Each ethnic group that has settled in Lagos has left an indelible mark, contributing to the city’s dynamic character. The city’s history of migration and settlement has fostered a spirit of tolerance and adaptability among its residents.

The history of Lagos is a rich and complex narrative that cannot be attributed to a single ethnic group or historical event. It is a story of migrations, conquests, cultural exchanges, and adaptation. Lagos today stands as a testament to this multifaceted history, a city that is truly African yet global in its outlook and composition. As such, understanding its past is key to appreciating its present and envisioning its future.