Oba of Lagos

HRH Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos at a ceremonial meeting with foreign dignitaries in his palace courtyard, 2006.

The Oba of Lagos receives a plaque, seated on his throne, 2006.

The Oba of Lagos is the traditional, yet ceremonial, sovereign of Lagos, a historical Yorubano-Bini kingdom that went on to become one of the largest cities in Africa after first giving its name to Lagos State, the acknowledged financial heart of contemporary Nigeria. The king has no political power, but is sought as a counsel or sponsor by Nigerian politicians who seek support from the various residents of Lagos.

The Royal Seat

The official residence of the Oba, since 1630, is Iga Idunganran, a castle constructed by the Portuguese over the course of close to a century. It is today a very popular tourist site.

List of Obas of Lagos

• Ashipa (1600–1630)
• King Ado (1630–1669)
• King Gabaro (1669–1704)
• King Akinsemoyin (1704–1749)
• Eletu Kekere (1749)
• King Ologun Kutere (1749–1775)
• Adele Ajosun (1775-1780 & 1832-1834)
• Eshilokun (1780–1819)
• Oba Idewu Ojulari (1819–1832)
• King Oluwole (1836–1841)
• King Akintoye (1841-1845 & 1851-1853)
• Oba Kosoko (1845–1851)
• King Dosunmu(1853–1885)
• Oba Oyekan (1885–1900)
• Oba Esugbayi Eleko (1901-1925 & 1932)
• Oba Ibikunle Akitoye (1925–1928)
• Oba Sanusi Olusi (1928–1931)
• Oba Falolu (1932–1949)
• Oba Adeniji Adele (1949–1964)
• Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II (1965–2003)
• Oba Rilwan Akiolu (2003–present)

See also

• Erelu Kuti