The Soul Of Lagos In The Heart Of South West: Beyond Governor Sanwo- Olu Re-election

By Akinjeji Ade

The Island of Lagos was inhabited by Yoruba fishermen and hunters at least since the 15th century. In 1472, Portuguese explorers arrived, and began to trade, eventually followed by other Europe.

From the crowning of Ado as its Oba, Lagos (then called Eko) had served as a major center for slave-trade, from which then Oba of Benin and all of his successors for over two centuries supported — until 1841, when Oba Akitoye ascended to the throne of Lagos and attempted to ban slave trading. Local merchants strongly opposed the intended move, and deposed and exiled the king, and installed Akitoye’s brother Kosoko as Oba.

Exiled to Europe, Akitoye met with British authorities, who had banned slave trading in 1807, and who therefore decided to support the deposed Oba to regain his throne.

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In the “Reduction of Lagos”, the British militarily intervened in 1851, reinstalling Akitoye as Oba of Lagos. Lagos subsequently signed a treaty which ushered in the British consular period.

In practical terms, however, British influence over the kingdom had become absolute.

The last minute struggle to gain the control of the soul of Lagos should of great concern to all because of the strategic position of Lagos, not only in Nigeria but in the Eyes of the world.

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Lagos is not just state but God giving everlasting inheritance for the Yorubas-Aworis.

One of the bane of Nigeria federalism is the inability to recognize the tenet of resources control. Nigeria democracy is too infantcy for Lagos to be left in hand of unknown angel.

Our togetherness will be enhanced by our collective understanding of the twine line that bound us together.

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I therefore salute Gov. Sanwo- olu courage and sagacity to retain Lagos on the part of history and pride of Southwestern Nigeria.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – “Long Walk to Freedom, The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela” written by Nelson Mandela in 1994”

The guber election before us is a recall to test of history of betrayal between Oba Akitoye with burning desire to eradicate slave trade, and that of his over-zealous brother Kosoko- who is careless about the evil of slave trade.

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The call and endorsement of LP Guber candidate by some Yoruba Ieaders is another kosoko coup that will fail. This is not Sanwo-olu, it is about Lagos as the heart of Lagos.

I therefore call on all lagosians to support and vote enmass for Governor Babajide Sanwolu to complete his good job.

Akinjeji Ade is the Secretary of South West Youth Forum