society
Every Inch of Eko (Lagos) Was Founded by The Awori: Olofin of Isheri Declares.
Every Inch of Eko (Lagos) Was Founded by The Awori: Olofin of Isheri Declares.
Sequel and in response to a recent statement made by the Benin oba regarding the historical founding of Eko (Lagos), His Royal Majesty, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, the Olofin of Isheri and revered successor of the ancient throne of the Aworis’ progenitor, has affirmed to the Awori Heritage Alliance of North America that Eko (Lagos) was undoubtedly founded by the Awori people.
In light of this confirmation, we, the Awori Heritage Alliance of North America therefore issue the following statement to emphatically and resolutely repudiate the remarks made by the Benin oba concerning the founding of Eko (Lagos) during his courtesy visit to the Lagos House, Marina on Sunday, 26 November 2023.
This statement by the Benin oba is not only erroneous, it in fact constitutes an utter disregard for the centuries old strongly held historical traditions of Eko (Lagos); as well as the documented historical facts on the founding or source of Eko, Lagos.
In his statement, the Benin oba alleged that a “certain area in Lagos, maybe the nucleus of Lagos was founded by my ancestors”. This profound misrepresentation of historical fact actually undermines the rich and verifiable history of the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group who are the autochthonous people and founders of Eko, Lagos.
It is imperative to at this point adduce certain highlights from the published as well as archived official historical records of Lagos, as collected from the native historical traditions of the indigenous inhabitants of Eko (Lagos) by the British colonial administrators of Lagos & Nigeria.
The Deputy Chief Secretary to the British Government of Nigeria, Sir Alan C. Burns, GCMG published the “History of Nigeria” in 1929 for the British colonial authorities based on the historical traditions collected in Nigeria from the native sources. The founding of Eko (Lagos) was detailed, and the nature of Lagos’ relationship with Benin was clearly spelt out as quoted below:
“A band of Yorubas, led by a cadet of the royal family, appears to have settled at Isheri, on the Ogun river … the settlers then spread southwards to Ebute Metta, on the mainland opposite Iddo island, where a town was built and farming was begun. Some time after this the inhabitants moved across to Iddo island, … Iddo, however, was scarcely large enough to support the number of settlers, … it was [then] decided to begin cultivation on the neighbouring island of [Eko] Lagos … [When] the first invasion from Benin took place; the inhabitants were fortunate that at this crisis their Olofin, or ruler, was a man of great courage and strong character, and under his leadership the King of Benin’s soldiers were repulsed.
Subsequent attacks met with no better success, and the Olofin gained in fame and influence. He is reputed to have had thirty-two sons, … one succeeded his father as Oloto of Iddo, the title of Olofin falling into abeyance … The custom of the [Eko] Lagos chiefs to wear “white caps” came originally from Iddo, and was introduced by the ten sons of the Olofin, whose successors still wear similar caps.
Some little time after the Olofin’s death there began the peaceful penetration into [Eko] Lagos of settlers from Benin. The Binis probably realised that they would not be able to occupy [Eko] Lagos by force, as they had already been so decisively beaten in their attacks on Iddo, and it is thought that they were also prevented from further aggression by superstitious fear, the dying wife of the Olofin having pronounced a terrible curse on any further invaders from Benin. Whatever may have been the reason, the Binis arrived with no great show of force, and permission was asked of the [Eko] Lagos people for them to land.”
Furthermore, a “confidential” colonial report of the British Intelligence Division entitled “Précis of Information Concerning the Colony of Lagos, Together with Notes on the Neighbouring Native Territories”, compiled in February 1888, unequivocally admits the Awori’s founding role of Eko, Lagos.
This British document which was printed for the archives of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, outlines the arrival of the Bini immigrant group (among other non-native immigrant groups) into Lagos. These non-native groups, such as the Bini group, were able to settle-in on the island only after their sought permission to land was granted by the Awori natives. European coastal trading activities had by circa 1570s transformed the Eko area into a focal point of considerable importance. This development drew in non-native immigrant trading groups such as the Bini group.
All of the above historical information which were collected from the historical traditions of the natives, by the British authorities evidently establish the following facts:
(1) That the Awori (a subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group) are the autochthonous people of Eko (Lagos), as well as the founders of Eko, Lagos.
(2) That the Bini trading group who visited the area centuries later, and got allotted a piece of the island to encamp (as was done for others) have nothing to do with the founding of Eko, Lagos.
In addition to the foregoing historical facts regarding the founding of Eko, we wish to shed light on another often-misrepresented aspect of our history. This pertains to the identity of the historical Ashipa — the progenitor of the royal dynasty of the Eko kingdom.
This Ashipa is identified without any trace of uncertainty in the classical Awori historical traditions as a Yoruba noble (Awori) from Isheri-Olofin. This historical fact is also documented in the same early records of Lagos history already cited above. The same information is also contained in other early records of Lagos history such as the “Notes of Evidence tendered by Mr. Herbert Macaulay, C.E., At the Commission of Inquiry. Re: The Succession to the House of Docemo” in the year 1920.
The marital-alliance of this Isheri chief (Ashipa) with the family of the then Benin oba produced the first crowned-king of Eko, King Ado. However, we must stress that while King Ado’s ancestry traces also to the then Benin oba through King Ado’s mother; this issue from the marital-cum-political alliance does not confer the founding right of Eko (Lagos) upon Benin kingdom or the Bini people; neither does Ashipa’s tribute of gratitude to his royal-political patron & in-law confer such right.
As has been demonstrated from the original received traditions of Lagos which are also referenced to the earliest official records of Lagos history, it becomes clear that it is blatantly erroneous and categorically misleading to even suggest that Benin kingdom founded any part of Lagos. No! Not an “inch” of Lagos was founded by the Benin kingdom or the Bini people.
Furthermore, the present Benin oba’s snide remark at His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) will not be overlooked. Not only was the remark disrespectful to the person of a permanent Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), a council of which the Benin oba is merely a member; it is also couched with grave historical fallacy. We demand an unreserved apology for this sacrilegious incivility and blatant insult to the cradle of the Yoruba civilization.
We strongly urge the Benin oba to, going forward, desist from making statements such as this which are not only false (as have been demonstrated), but also have the potential to stir up irreparable inter-ethnic strife capable of setting Nigeria on the path of irreversible disharmony & potential balkanization; especially as we are all only slowly recovering as a Nation from the ugly discords of the 2023 elections.
We stand firm in our commitment to preserving and promoting the historical truth and call for a respectful acknowledgment of the same by all parties. We also demand a retraction of this fallacious statement from the Benin oba, and we insist on an unreserved apology to all Awori sons, daughters, kith & kin; His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife; and the Yoruba race as a whole.
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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