Kingdom of Lagos

Origins

Lagos, known locally as Eko, began as a settlement of Awori Yoruba on the lagoon islands. In the 16th or early 17th century the Benin Empire established a war camp there, and Ashipa, recognised by the Oba of Benin, founded the line of Obas of Lagos.

Rule and society

The Oba ruled with Yoruba white-cap chiefs and paid tribute to Benin. Lagos grew into a leading slave port in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A succession struggle between Kosoko and his uncle Akitoye drew in the British, who bombarded Lagos in 1851, deposed Kosoko and installed Akitoye.

Decline and legacy

Under pressure from Britain, Oba Dosunmu signed a treaty ceding Lagos in 1861, and it became Lagos Colony. Lagos grew into Nigeria's largest city, and the Oba of Lagos remains its traditional ruler.