By Adebeso Precious( Siwes Student D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, the Olofin of Isheri and Adimula of Awori Kingdom, disputes Oba Ewuare II’s assertion that the Benin Kingdom founded Lagos.
Bamgbade urges Oba Ewuare II to follow Awori’s example by tracing Benin’s origins back to Ile Ife.
In response to Oba Ewuare II’s claim, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege of Ota, along with academics and a Lagos chief, voice opposition.
Oba Ewuare II contends, Binis founded Lagos, citing historical records, but Bamgbade insists that Olofin Ogunfuminire, progenitor of the Awori people, established Lagos.
Bamgbade traces the Awori lineage from Ile-Ife to Isheri, where Olofin Ogunfuminire settled.
Ogunfuminire, with his wife Ajaiye, later moved to Iddo in Lagos, where their children, the Idejo, became traditional landowners, extending their influence from Lagos Mainland to Lagos Island and Eti-Osa.
The Olofin allocated territories to descendants—Oniru in Iru, Elegushi in Ikate, Aromire in Lagos Island, Ojora in Iganmu, and Oloto in mainland up to Odo-Iya Alaro.
Other Awori towns like Igbesa, Agboyi, and Ota were founded by Olofin’s descendants.
Foreign literature, including Kristin Mann’s ‘Slavery and Birth of an African City: Lagos 1760-1900,’ supports the Awori history. It traces Aworis as early settlers, migrating from Isheri to Ebute Metta and later to Iddo.
The Olofin, based in Iddo, maintained a paramount role, with Benin traders arriving later. A conflict arose, leading to Benins settling with Aromire on Lagos Island.
Olofin Bamgbade implores Oba Ewuare II to reconsider Benin Kingdom’s origin, aligning it with Ile Ife, akin to how Aworis trace their roots.
