Complete List Of Obas Of Lagos (1630-Present)
The Oba of Lagos traces his lineage back to Ashipa, a war captain of the Oba of Benin in the 17th century. Lagos was originally inhabited by the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba people.
Ashipa received the Oba of Benin’s sanction to govern Lagos on his behalf. The Oba of Lagos used to pay tribute to the Oba of Benin until around 1830.
However, the defeat of Oba Kosoko by the British in 1851 ended Lagos’ allegiance to Benin. The Oba is a ceremonial Yoruba sovereign with no political power.
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List Of Oba Of Lagos From 1630 Till Date
| Name | Reign Period |
|---|---|
| Ado | 1630 – 1669 |
| Gabaro | 1669 – 1704 |
| Eletu Kekere | 1704 – 1704 |
| Akinsemoyin | 1704 – 1749 |
| Ologun Kutere | 1749 – 1775 |
| Adele Ajosun | 1775 – 1780 |
| Oṣinlokun | 1780 – 1819 |
| Idewu Ojulari | 1819 – 1832 |
| Adele Ajosun | 1832 – 1834 |
| Oluwole | 1834 – 1841 |
| Akitoye | 1841 – 1845 |
| Kosoko | 1845 – 1851 |
| Akitoye | 1851 – 1853 |
| Dosunmu | 1853 – 1885 |
| Oyekan I | 1885 – 1900 |
| Eshugbayi Eleko | 1901 – 1925 |
| Ibikunle Akitoye | 1925 – 1928 |
| Sanusi Olusi | 1928 – 1931 |
| Eshugbayi Eleko | 1931 – 1932 |
| Falolu Dosunmu | 1932 – 1949 |
| Adeniji Adele | 1949 – 1964 |
| Oyekan II | 1965 – 2003 |
| Rilwan Akiolu | 2003 – Incumbent |
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Who Was The First Oba Of Lagos?
Prince Ado is recognized as the first Oba of Lagos, who was an instrumental leader who helped turn Lagos into a prominent settlement. He was born to Ashipa, a local chief from Isheri, in the early 1600s.
Ado’s family roots trace back to the Oba of Benin. In 1630, Prince Ado became the first Oba of Lagos, appointed by the Oba of Benin. His reign began the Ashipa dynasty, the family line that would continue to rule Lagos for many generations.
Under Ado’s leadership, the settlement was called “Eko,” which means “pepper” in Yoruba, symbolizing its agricultural roots. However, Portuguese explorers later changed the name to Lagos in the late 1400s, long before Ado’s time.
Ado’s reign focused on strengthening Lagos as a trading center. He builds good relationships with nearby communities to ensure peace and security for trade.
Also, he oversaw the construction of key buildings, including what would later become the palace of Iga Idunganran. Even though Ado faced challenges from rivals and external threats, he succeeded in laying a strong foundation for future rulers.
After his death in 1669, his descendants continued to rule Lagos, keeping the title of Oba within his family. Today, the Oba of Lagos holds great cultural significance, even though the position no longer carries political power.
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Who Is The Current Oba Of Lagos?
The current Oba of Lagos is Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, born on October 29, 1943. He became the 21st Oba of Lagos in 2003, following the death of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan.
Akiolu’s family lineage traces back to Ashipa, a war captain of the Oba of Benin who was allowed to govern Lagos in the 17th century. This connection gives Akiolu historical roots within the city of Lagos.
Before ascending the throne, Akiolu served for 32 years in the Nigerian Police Force, where he held different roles and rose to the position of Assistant Inspector-General of Police before retiring in 2002.
In addition to his police career, Akiolu is a fellow of the Nigerian Law School and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. As the Oba of Lagos, Akiolu has a ceremonial role, meaning he does not have direct political power.
However, his influence in Lagos is notable. He is often consulted by politicians and leaders who seek his support, as Lagos is a key economic hub in Nigeria and Africa’s largest city.
Akiolu has also represented Lagos in tourism advertisements, often stating, “You’ve gotta go to Lagos.” Despite his respected position, Akiolu’s reign has seen some controversies.
In 2015, he made a controversial statement threatening that any Igbo leaders who went against his preferred candidate during the governorship election would face misfortune. Additionally, during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, his palace was stormed, and a warehouse filled with Covid-19 palliatives was found.
At 80 years old, Oba Akiolu remains a key figure in Lagos, advising and supporting the people of the city. Despite challenges, he continues to be a respected and influential traditional leader.
