Boundaries of Lagos Colony.
What were the boundaries of the colony of Lagos Nigeria?
The boundaries of the colony of Lagos, Nigeria have changed over time. Lagos was originally founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century and later came under British control in the 19th century. In 1861, Lagos was annexed by the British as a crown colony, and it remained a British colony until Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
During its time as a British colony, the boundaries of Lagos expanded and contracted depending on political and administrative changes. At its largest, the colony of Lagos encompassed the entire Lagos mainland and its surrounding islands, as well as portions of what is now modern-day Ogun State. However, in 1906, the colony was reduced in size when the districts of Ota, Ikorodu, and Epe were transferred to the protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
After Nigeria gained independence, Lagos remained the capital of the country until 1991 when it was officially designated as a state within the Nigerian federation. Today, Lagos State covers an area of 3,577 square kilometers and includes the city of Lagos as well as several surrounding municipalities.
Which were the boundaries of Lagos by the time it was annexed by the British as a crown colony in 1861?
By the time Lagos was annexed by the British as a crown colony in 1861, its boundaries were limited to the island of Lagos and a small portion of the mainland adjacent to it. The island of Lagos was roughly four miles long and two miles wide, and it was located in the southwestern part of present-day Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea. The boundaries of the colony at that time did not extend beyond the immediate area of the island and the adjacent mainland.
It is important to note, however, that the history of Lagos as a settlement dates back several centuries before its annexation by the British. At various times in its history, Lagos was a small kingdom ruled by an Oba (king), a center for the transatlantic slave trade, and a major trading hub for palm oil and other goods. The boundaries of Lagos as a settlement would have varied throughout its history depending on political, economic, and social factors.
Who was the first Oba of Lagos? When and how did he become the king? What was his relationship with the Portuguese?
The first Oba of Lagos was Ashipa, also known as Ado, who is believed to have ascended to the throne in the late 15th century. The exact date of his coronation is not known, but it is generally believed to have occurred sometime between 1480 and 1500.
The story of Ashipa’s ascension to the throne is shrouded in myth and legend. According to tradition, he was a prince from the nearby Kingdom of Benin who had been exiled from his homeland. After wandering for several years, he arrived in the Lagos area and was welcomed by the local inhabitants, who were then under the leadership of a warrior queen named Olofin. Ashipa eventually gained favor with Olofin and was selected as her successor upon her death.
The relationship between the first Oba of Lagos and the Portuguese is also somewhat murky. It is known that the Portuguese established a trading post on the island of Lagos in the 15th century and maintained a presence there for several centuries. Some accounts suggest that Ashipa may have been a willing partner of the Portuguese, allowing them to establish their presence on the island and engage in trade with the local population. However, other accounts suggest that Ashipa may have been hostile to the Portuguese and sought to limit their influence in the region.
It is worth noting that the history of Lagos as a kingdom is complex and spans several centuries, with many different rulers and political dynamics. The precise details of Ashipa’s reign and his relationship with the Portuguese may never be fully known, but his reign marks the beginning of a long and important chapter in the history of Lagos and the wider region.
Which were the kings / obas whose kingdoms were closest to that of the Oba of Lagos who ruled Lagos Island?
The kingdom of the Oba of Lagos was situated in the southwestern part of present-day Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea. The region was home to several other kingdoms and city-states that were closely linked through trade, politics, and culture. Some of the kings or obas whose kingdoms were closest to that of the Oba of Lagos during different periods of history include:
- The Oba of Benin: The Kingdom of Benin was located to the east of Lagos and was one of the most powerful and influential kingdoms in the region. The Obas of Benin were renowned for their wealth, military power, and artistic achievements, and they maintained close ties with the Oba of Lagos through trade and diplomacy.
- The Awujale of Ijebu: The Kingdom of Ijebu was located to the north of Lagos and was known for its flourishing trade networks and sophisticated political institutions. The Awujale of Ijebu was a powerful figure in the region and often collaborated with the Oba of Lagos on matters of mutual interest.
- The Alake of Egbaland: The Kingdom of Egbaland was located to the north of Lagos and was home to the Egba people, who were known for their skill in warfare and diplomacy. The Alake of Egbaland was a prominent figure in the region and had a close relationship with the Oba of Lagos during the colonial period.
- The Oni of Ife: The Kingdom of Ife was located to the northeast of Lagos and was regarded as the spiritual and cultural center of the Yoruba people. The Oni of Ife was a highly respected figure in the region and had a close relationship with the Oba of Lagos based on their shared cultural heritage and mutual interests.
These are just a few examples of the many kingdoms and city-states that were closely linked to the Oba of Lagos throughout history. The region was characterized by a complex web of political, economic, and social relationships that continue to shape the cultural and political landscape of Nigeria today.
Can you limit this list to within 50 kilometres of Lagos island?
Sure, here are some examples of the kings/obas whose kingdoms were within 50 kilometers of Lagos Island:
- The Olofin of Iddo: Iddo is a district in present-day Lagos State, located just across the Lagos Lagoon from Lagos Island. According to legend, Iddo was founded by a prince named Olofin, who is said to have migrated to the area from Mecca. The Olofin of Iddo was one of the earliest rulers in the Lagos region and maintained close ties with the Oba of Lagos.
- The Oniru of Iruland: Iruland is a coastal area in present-day Lagos State, located to the west of Lagos Island. The Oniru of Iruland is a traditional ruler who has been in existence for over 400 years and is known for his close relationship with the Oba of Lagos.
- The Eleko of Eko: Eko is an area in present-day Lagos State that was formerly known as Lagos Island. The Eleko of Eko is a traditional ruler who is believed to have descended from the original settlers of Lagos Island and has maintained close ties with the Oba of Lagos for centuries.
- The Olu of Epe: Epe is a town in present-day Lagos State, located to the east of Lagos Island. The Olu of Epe is a traditional ruler who has been in existence for over 500 years and is known for his influence in the region.
These are just a few examples of the traditional rulers whose kingdoms were located within 50 kilometers of Lagos Island. The region was home to many other kingdoms and city-states throughout history, and the relationships between these different rulers and their kingdoms were often complex and dynamic.
Which parts of the present Lagos state were carved out from the old Western region when the state was created?
Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967, by the then military government of Nigeria, as a federal territory. The state was later changed to a full state on 3rd February 1976. Lagos State was carved out of the old Western Region of Nigeria, and it included the following areas:
- Lagos Colony: The Lagos Colony was the original British colony in the region and included the Lagos Island and its immediate environs.
- Ikeja Division: The Ikeja Division was located in the northern part of the old Western Region and included Ikeja, Agege, Alimosho, Mushin, and Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Areas.
- Badagry Division: The Badagry Division was located in the western part of the old Western Region and included Badagry, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, and Ojo Local Government Areas.
- Epe Division: The Epe Division was located in the eastern part of the old Western Region and included Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, and Eti-Osa Local Government Areas.
- Ikorodu Division: The Ikorodu Division was located in the southeastern part of the old Western Region and included Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Somolu Local Government Areas.
The creation of Lagos State out of the old Western Region was a significant event in the history of Nigeria, as it marked the first time that a state had been carved out of an existing region. The creation of Lagos State also helped to promote the development of the region, as it allowed for more focused attention to be given to the unique needs and challenges of the area.
