The origin of the Oba of Lagos as an institutional figure can be traced back to the history of the city of Lagos and its evolution over the years.
Although such functions today may be more symbolic than anything else, the Oba still plays an important sociocultural role in the life of the people of Lagos.
The history of the royal family goes back to the 17th century when Lagos was hardly more than a settlement governed by the native kings of Awori and Benin.
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Obas of Lagos
| No | Oba of Lagos | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Oṣinlokun | 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 (Docemo) | 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 – Present |
The First Oba of Lagos: Ado
Ado, the first oba of Lagos, is key to understanding how the legacy of the monarchy was built. His father, Ashipa, a benin noble, was sent to rule over Lagos (then called Eko) as a colony of the Oba of Benin.
As more and more people began to live on the Island of Lagos, there arose a need for a centralized administration. This was the reason for the crowning of Ado, who succeeded his father as a ruler, to the position of a king who was assisted by the Oba of Benin.
Ado initiated governance policies thereby shaping the means of succession of the royalty and controlling Lagos as a trade center.
His time on the throne was one of the integration of the Benin culture and that of the Yorubas, which established the current political structure in Lagos.
Current Oba of Lagos: Oba Rilwan Akiolu
The current occupant of the throne, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, became the Oba in 2003. So far, his reign as the 21st Oba of Lagos has included able assistance in the modernisation of the city and maintaining the traditions of its people.
His leadership, however, still embraces concerns of contemporary administration. His influence in encouraging investment and tourism has seen the elevation of Lagos in the global sphere.
Interestingly, he is also an active participant in the politics of Nigeria as he plays a big part in political conversations within the country.
One might say that Oba Akiolu prepared himself for the throne also when he joined the Nigeria Police Force. After thirty-two years serving the country, he was able to retire and was called upon to become the 21st Oba of Lagos.
Oba Akiolu has been on the throne for slightly more than twenty years and citizens of Lagos most probably have a lot to share about him.
However, all things being equal, from the day of his enthronement until this day, Oba Akiolu has enjoyed more media attention than any other oba of Lagos.
