When Nigeria was governed on the basis of tribe Northern
(Hausa), Western (Yoruba) and Eastern (lgbo) regions and the colonial Lagos
older than Nigeria itself was being claimed as a part of the Yoruba Westem
region, by virtue of its location and Yoruba origin with reference to its Benin
(Edo) royalty as far back as late 17th century and the American and Caribbean
ongins of the descendants of the Ologbowo and the Popo Aguda (Brazilian)
returnees of the 1840s. of course, original Lagosians of the time challenged
the Lagos belongs the West theory; successfully proved the independence of the
old Lagos (gede be L’ eko wa) not only
stopped the attempt to merge Lagos with Westem
Nigena but also got Lagos State as one of the first twelve states of Nigeria
created in 1967
Since 1967, cosmopolitan Lagos has moved from
being the capital of Nigeria to a mega city of excellence which now sets the
pace of political, social and economical development more than it has ever done
in the past. This is because, the ongin of Lagos has been influenced by mot
only the (Idejo) chieftaincy, the Benin (Edo) Oba Ado royalty, the civilized
and educated Saro (Olowogbowo) and Brazilian (Popo Aguda) returnees of the
1840s, the Tapa (Bida/Nupe), the Black Americans and the Caribbean (artisans of
the early 19″ century Lagos). These lots constitutes the force that built
up Original Lagos (Eko Akoko) before the cessation of the colony of Lagos to
the British crown in 1861, long before the creation of the British protectorate
of Nigeria in 1914.
The original Lagosians established family
compounds and business centres as far back as early 17th century, e.g Iga
Aromire, Iga Iduganran, and the agboles (compounds) of the four original
settlements Isale Eko, Olowogbowo, Oko Faji and Popo Aguda. These settlements
of Lafiaji/lkoyi, Ebute Meta/Yaba were added during the colonial days.
By virtue of the above stated, original Lagos
(Eko Akoko) produced Nigeria’s first modern day professionals such as lawyer
Sapara-Williams (1880), Doctor J. K. Randle, Engineer Herbert Macaulay,
Journalist Kitoyi Ajasa, Chartered Accountant Akintola Williams e.t.c all of
them from the early Olowogbowo settlements.
In my own opinion, those who fabricate the very
recent theory that Oba Ashipa was a Yoruba from lsheri instead of a Benin
Prince from the Oba of Benin (Edo State) were mischievously, politically
motivated to historically confirm the story of politicians of the 1940s who
claim that Lagos belongs to the West; Yoruba/West of the regional Nigeria. The
then Lagos politicians of the Action group Party controlled Western Nigeria
went as far as to claim that some well known families of Lagos originated from
Oyo, Ekiti, Ijebu, Egba, ljesha etc. in order to qualify them for membership of
the Western Nigeria house of assemble or the Nigerian senate needless to say
some got their fingers burnt when they were challenged by indigenes of the
cities claimed in the 1940s.
It is very ridiculous to hear some academic
historians challenge the historical Igbe songs of our innocent ancient Oloris
(wives) of the Royal Houses just to please their political masters. Their types
have been earlier exposed by the scriptures.
May I however conclude this piece, by reference
to the fact that ‘facts are sacred while falsehoods are Satanic and Perishable’.
As a direct descendant of Oba Akinsemoyin of
Lagos, I feel obliged to write this piece on original Lagos (Eko Akoko) in
order to confirm the history of Royalty in Lagos
Signed:
Ademola Oladega Akinsemoyin
Esan People Blog