From Benin to Lagos: Meet Every Oba Who Shaped Lagos

Hey there, history lovers! Let’s chat about the Obas of Lagos, shall we? Centuries ago, a wave of influence rolled in from the Benin Kingdom and planted the royal roots of what would become one of Africa’s most dynamic cities—Lagos. And that’s where our story begins.

Ashipa: The Benin-Linked Founder

Our tale starts with Ashipa. Ashipa is regarded as the founder of the Lagos royal dynasty, though he was never formally crowned as the first Oba of Lagos. Every Oba of Lagos traces his lineage back to him. He was an Awori chieftain from Isheri, honoured with the title of Oloriogun (war chief) after returning the body of Asheru, a fallen Benin war captain, to the Oba of Benin.

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In recognition of this act, Ashipa received the Oba of Benin’s sanction to govern Lagos. Some Benin historical accounts claim Ashipa was either a son or grandson of the Oba of Benin, while Lagos tradition holds that Ashipa (Aṣípa in Yoruba) was a local Awori leader of Isheri. The key here? The first Oba of Lagos wasn’t just a local ruler – he was deeply tied to the Benin monarchy, sanctioned to govern on its behalf.

Meet the Obas of Lagos: A Royal Roll Call

Here’s your clean, chronological line-up of all the Obas—from Ashipa to today’s monarch—without bias, just facts:

• Ashipa (flourished until 1716) – Founder with Benin sanction
• Ado (1716–1755) – Ashipa’s son; the first officially crowned Oba of Lagos; paid tribute to Benin
• Gabaro (1755–1760)
• Akinsemoyin (1760–1775)
• Eletu Kekere (1775–1780)
• Ologun Kutere (1780–1801/3)
• Adele Ajosun (1811–1821)
• Osinlokun (1821–1829)
• Idewu Ojulari (1829–1835)
• Adele Ajosun again (1835–1837)
• Oluwole (1837–1841)
• Akitoye (1841–1845)
• Kosoko (1845–1851)
• Akitoye (restored: 1851–1853)
• Dosunmu (Docemo) (1853–1885)
• Oyekan I (1885–1900)
• Eshugbayi Eleko (1901–1925)
• Ibikunle Akitoye (1925–1928)
• Sanusi Olusi (1928–1931)
• Eshugbayi Eleko again (1931–1932)
• Falolu Dosunmu (1932–1949)
• Adeniji Adele (Adele II) (1949–1964)
• Adeyinka Oyekan (Oyekan II) (1965–2003)
• Rilwan Akiolu (2003–present)

  Rilwan Akiolu

Why It Matters

The first two Obas illustrate Lagos’s emergence under Benin’s cultural and political reach, eventually gaining independence and evolving into its own powerful kingdom This also showcases a continuity and Change, because as history marched on, the Obaship adapted—some decades ruled by the powerful, some fraught with colonial tensions. Yet the institution endured, evolving with each ruler. Today’s Oba, Rilwan Akiolu, continues the tradition as a revered cultural and ceremonial figure—symbolizing Lagos’s past, present, and future

So, what’s the takeaway?

This isn’t just a list – it’s a journey: from Ashipa’s Benin-backed arrival to Lagos’s own royal legacy. Each Oba played a chapter in Lagos’s story—from founding leaders, colonial-era navigators, to modern ceremonial icons. Now that you’ve got the lineup, why not spark a conversation? Share this with friends, challenge them to name their favorite Oba, or just let the rhythm of history sink in. This story is Lagos, told royally. Let me know if you’d like fun visuals, timelines, or deeper tales of any specific Oba!

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