Amidst the swirling controversy sparked by Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, regarding the founders and settlers of Lagos, Olofin of Isheri and Adimula of Awori Kingdom, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, has emphatically countered the claim, asserting that the Awori people were the original settlers in Lagos.
The discord emerged when Oba Ewuare II, during a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, declared that the Binis founded Lagos.
He stated, “It is in the history books that the Binis founded Lagos,” causing a stir and raising questions about the true origins of the vibrant city.
In response, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, the Isheri Olofin monarch, emphasized that Lagos was founded by Olofin Ogunfuminire, the progenitor of the Awori people.
He traced the historical journey of Olofin Ogunfuminire from Ile-Ife to Isheri, asserting that it was at Iddo in present-day Lagos that Ajaiye, his wife, was blessed with children, specifically the Idejo, recognized as the traditional landowners of Lagos.
To substantiate these claims, Oba Bamgbade referred to literature by foreign authors, including Kristin Mann, whose book highlighted the migration of Aworis from Isheri, a village upstream the Ogun River, to settle in Lagos.
The Olofin Ogunfuminire descendants played a pivotal role in the establishment of settlements such as Otto and Iddo, contributing to the eventual founding of Lagos.
In a detailed account, the monarch explained that the Benin people arrived in Lagos as traders, encountering Olofin and his descendants on the island of Iddo.
A harmonious reception ensued until a feud erupted, leading to the Benins seeking assistance from the Oba of Benin.
Despite their attempts, Olofin Ogunfuminire and his mentees successfully repelled the attacks, ultimately reaching a compromise that saw the Benins relocating to live with Aromire on Lagos Island.
The historical narrative presented by Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade challenges the recent assertions by Oba Ewuare II, emphasizing the Awori people’s role as the first settlers in Lagos.
The Olofin of Isheri called upon the Oba of Benin to retrace the Benin Kingdom’s origin to Ile Ife, aligning with the Aworis’ historical perspective.
In response to the unfolding controversy, the Erelu Kuti of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu, assured that the dispute over the ownership of Lagos would soon be put to rest.
Dosunmu, also the Erelu Yeye Oodua, highlighted the importance of her foundation’s upcoming Erelu Yeye Oodua Cultural Renaissance Centre, designed to address controversies surrounding history, culture, art, lifestyle, and other aspects of African heritage.
Erelu Dosunmu urged individuals to employ common sense, conduct research, and utilize historical relics and evidence to understand and contribute to the discourse on Lagos’ history.
She emphasized the significance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders to revive interest and promote cultural awareness, ensuring the preservation and projection of rich cultural heritage onto the global stage.
As Lagos stands at the intersection of historical narratives, the unfolding debate underscores the complexity and depth of the city’s diverse heritage.
