Answering the question of who truly founded Lagos State is one that requires a careful analysis of the situation back then.
The history of Lagos State, Nigeria, is complex and involves various groups and influences. The area that is now Lagos has a rich history that predates colonial times, and its development involved interactions between indigenous peoples, European explorers, and later colonial powers.
Lagos Island, where the city of Lagos is situated, was historically inhabited by the Awori people, who were the original settlers in the region. Over time, the area became a hub for trade, attracting various ethnic groups and European powers.
In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers, including Rui de Sequeira, visited Lagos and established trade relationships. The Portuguese influence in the area continued for several centuries.
In the 19th century, Lagos became a major center for the transatlantic slave trade. In 1861, the British formally annexed Lagos as a colony. The incorporation of Lagos into the British Empire played a significant role in shaping the modern history of the region.
Who are the Awori people?
Historically, the Awori people are associated with the settlement of the coastal areas of what is now Lagos State, including Lagos Island. They are considered one of the earliest groups to have inhabited this region. The Awori people have a rich cultural heritage and share linguistic and cultural similarities with other Yoruba sub-groups.
Some key aspects of the Awori culture include their traditional religion, festivals, art, and social organization. Their economy historically relied on fishing, farming, and trade. The Awori people played a significant role in the early history and development of the Lagos area, contributing to its emergence as a major center for trade and commerce.
What about the Edo Lagos?
The Edo people, primarily associated with the Benin Kingdom, actually have historical ties to the Lagos region.
In the early history of Lagos, the Benin Kingdom, which was a powerful and sophisticated kingdom in what is now southern Nigeria, had influence in the area. The Oba of Benin, who was the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, extended authority and control over parts of what is now Lagos.
However, it’s essential to distinguish between influence, trade relationships, and political control. While the Benin Kingdom had an impact on the region, the Awori people are often regarded as the original settlers in the Lagos area.
The Portuguese explorers, who were among the first Europeans to arrive in the region in the 15th century, established trade relations with the local communities, including the Awori people. Over time, Lagos became a significant center for trade and commerce, attracting various ethnic groups and European powers.
The British formally annexed Lagos in 1861, and it later became a British colony. The establishment of Lagos State as a political entity was largely shaped by colonial powers during this period.
In summary, while the Edo people, through the Benin Kingdom, had historical connections and influence in the Lagos region, attributing the founding of Lagos State solely to the Edo people oversimplifies the complex historical processes and interactions that occurred over the centuries. The Awori people, as the original settlers, and various other groups, played crucial roles in the historical development of Lagos. The formal establishment of Lagos State as a political entity is more closely tied to the colonial period and British influence.
