Historically Lagos used to be a Yoruba fishing area in those days which they referred and called as EKO or LAGOOS OR LAGOON Area as fondly called by our colonial Master.
Lagos is a bless island surrounded with an aquatic splendor. As regards fast development and befitting infrastructures metamorphose its to be heterogeneous in nature at the present with so many ethnic tribes dwelling and performing trade.
The most popular festival of Lagos is EYO Masquerade festival called “The ADAMU ORISA PLAY” and Gelede Carnivals & others. Lagos is Owned by Aworis or Olofin’s( Aromire).
We also have some Chiefs that came in convoy with Ashipa when he was coming from Benin(ibini) to Lagos.
Ashipa is the first Oba of Lagos, he rule from 1600 to 1630 and Chiefs in lagos is blessed into 4 categories Namely; IDEJO, AKARIGBERE, OGALADE and ABAGBON.
* IDEJO CLASS (The White Cap Chiefs)
Oluwa of Lagos, Aromire of Lagos, Olumegbon of Lagos, Ojora Now OBA, Onitana of Lagos, Onitolo of Lagos, Onikoyi Now OBA, Oniru Now OBA, Elegushi Now OBA, Onisiwo Now OBA.
* AKARIGBERE CLASS
Olorogun Adodo of Lagos, Eletu iwase of Lagos, Kosoko of Lagos, Ologun Agbeje of Lagos, Eletu Odibo of Lagos, Onilegbale of Lagos, Eletu omo of Lagos, Igbesodi of Lagos, Eletu Awo of Lagos, Ologun Atebo of Lagos, Ologun ide of Lagos, Ologun Agan of Lagos, Eletu ijebu of Lagos, Ojon of Lagos, and Erelukuti of Lagos.
*OGALADE CLASS.
Obanikoro of Lagos, Onisemo of Lagos, Modile of Lagos, Asajon of Lagos, Opeluwa of Lagos, Alagbeji of Lagos, and Onimole of Lagos.
* ABAGBON CLASS.
Asogbon of Lagos, Bajulaiye of Lagos, Egbe of Lagos, Suenu of Lagos, Oluwo Jakande of Lagos, Faji of Lagos, Bashua of Lagos, Sasi of Lagos, Shashore of Lagos, Bajulu of Lagos, Asesi of Lagos, Oshodi Tapa of Lagos, Oshodi Bukun of Lagos, Salawe of Lagos, Kakawa of Lagos, Etti of Lagos, Aiyeomosan of Lagos, Balogun Okolo of Lagos, Iposu of Lagos and Erelu of Lagos.
All this Chiefs has their respective Palace and domain in Lagos, they are all subjected to Oba Eleko of lagos except those that have become Oba that had already gain independence. All this Palace also contributes and performing Eyo among themselves during the festival.
The Traditional Government Structure of the the Kingdom of Lagos is as follows…
The AKARIGBERE are often referred to as the political leadership of the community. They are also the ‘Kingmakers’, the leading chief in the group is “ELETU ODIBO” he also known as the installing officer of the Oba.
IDEJO, also known as ‘Aladejo” or White Cap Chiefs, a group of fisherman, they are the descendants of some of the early land settlers in the traditional sense and headed by “OLUMEGBON’ they are already gassetted as King and that one day they shall become King in their respective territories.
OGALADE are the chief traditional, religious worshippers, spiritual and custodians of the local gods. The Ogalade still regard ‘OBANIKORO’ as their leader.
ABAGBON represent the defence, war craft and military might of the kingdom, the ASHOGBON is their leader.
Apena is also a traditional Chief Justice, is the spokesman of all cults in the land and he carries significant power and influence.
ORIKI…omo iwaju oloko tin sowo, ehin oloko as’ejigba ileke, omo ogede gede oloko a tan yebe yebe lori omi, omo kaf’owo wa kaf’aje wa, kaf’ogede gede owo wa oko d’elu isheri.
MOYO FUN E, MOYO Fun RA MI
Eko Aromisa legbe, legbe …. ki i ti gbe o omo Olofin.
