The Oba of Lagos, also called the Eleko of Eko, is the traditional ruler of Lagos, Nigeria. Though the Oba holds no official political power, the position is highly respected, and politicians often seek the Oba’s support to connect with the people of Lagos.
The Oba also plays a ceremonial role, representing the city’s cultural heritage. Historically, all Obas of Lagos trace their lineage back to Ashipa, a military leader the Oba of Benin sent to govern Lagos.
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List Of Oba Of Lagos From 1630 Till Date
No | Name | Reign start | Reign End |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ado | 1630 | 1669 |
2 | Gabaro | 1669 | 1704 |
3 | Eletu Kekere | 1704 | 1704 |
4 | Akinsemoyin | 1704 | 1749 |
5 | Ologun Kutere | 1749 | 1775 |
6 | Adele Ajosun | 1775 | 1780 |
7 | Oshinlokun | 1780 | 1819 |
8 | Idewu Ojulari | 1819 | 1832 |
9 | Adele Ajosun | 1832 | 1834 |
10 | Oluwole | 1834 | 1841 |
11 | Akitoye | 1841 | 1845 |
12 | Kosoko | 1845 | 1851 |
13 | Akitoye | 1851 | 1853 |
14 | Dosunmu | 1853 | 1885 |
15 | Oyekan I | 1885 | 1900 |
16 | Eshugbayi Eleko | 1901 | 1925 |
17 | Ibikunle Akitoye | 1925 | 1928 |
18 | Sanusi Olusi | 1928 | 1931 |
19 | Eshugbayi Eleko | 1931 | 1932 |
20 | Falolu Dosunmu | 1932 | 1949 |
21 | Adeniji Adele | 1949 | 1964 |
22 | Oyekan II | 1965 | 2003 |
23 | Rilwan Akiolu | 2003 | Incumbent |
History Of Lagos State
Lagos State’s history is connected to the Kingdom of Benin. The Obas of Lagos trace their ancestry to Ashipa, a war captain sent by the Oba of Benin to govern the region.
Ashipa was given the authority to lead Lagos on behalf of the Benin Kingdom. As a symbol of his power, Ashipa received a sword and a royal drum from the Oba of Benin.
Along with this, the Oba of Benin sent officers, led by Eletu Odibo, to protect Benin’s interests in Lagos. These officers later became known as the Akarigbere class of White Cap Chiefs in Lagos.
For many years, Lagos paid tributes to the Oba of Benin. However, around 1830, Lagos became strong and independent. It no longer paid these tributes, and instead, occasionally sent gifts to Benin, but only as a gesture of respect for their shared history.
This was the beginning of Lagos as a powerful entity on its own, no longer under the direct influence of the Benin Kingdom.
The relationship between Lagos and Benin changed completely in 1851 when the British defeated Oba Kosoko, the then Oba of Lagos, in a battle known as the Bombardment of Lagos.
This event ended any remaining ties between Lagos and Benin. Oba Akitoye, who was restored to the throne by the British, refused to acknowledge Benin’s authority and rejected any tribute requests from the Oba of Benin.
Over time, the rulers of Lagos took on titles like Ologun and Eleko, but today they are known as the Obas of Lagos. The king’s official residence, Iga Idunganran, has been the royal seat since 1630. Renovated by the Portuguese, this building is a popular tourist attraction today.
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Who Is The Current Oba Of Lagos State?
The current Oba of Lagos is Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu. He has held this position since May 24, 2003, and he is the 23rd Oba of Lagos.
His coronation took place on August 9, 2003. However, Rilwan Akiolu had a long career in the Nigeria Police Force, serving for 32 years.
He started his service in 1970 and worked his way up to the position of Assistant Inspector-General of Police by 1999. He retired from the force in 2002, and shortly after, he was selected by the kingmakers to become the Oba.
His rule began after he succeeded the former Oba, Adeyinka Oyekan. Despite his long reign, there have been some challenges, including legal disputes over his coronation.
The Akinsemoyin Royal Family, for example, has claimed that their family was unfairly kept from the throne, and they have taken the matter to court.
In 2015, he caused a stir when he made a controversial remark directed at the Igbo community in Lagos, sparking accusations of hate speech.
More recently, during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, his palace was invaded by protesters. They discovered and took away food items meant as COVID-19 relief supplies that had been stored in the palace.
During the same incident, the Oba’s staff of authority, an important symbol of his power, was stolen but later recovered.