Great!

Wow! Great job to all of you for the time and passion spent doing this!!

I stayed up and glued till I have read every post beginning from the first one. I love tracking people and history.

I have questions to some posts, I have answers to some questions, I have disagreements with some views (watch out Katsuumoto. Lol!).

1 There was question on why a Northern ruler would bear moslem name before Islam had arrived in his domain.

Mohammed, Abdullahi, Aminat, Maryam. . . These are traditional names in the Arab customs. Back then even pagans answred to these names. Today christinas bear them. There was a very close interaction and intimacy between the Hausa/Kanuri and the Berber/Touareg that it should not be impossible to find an Abubakar that worshipped the idols in the pre-islamic Kano, Bauchi or Zaria.


2. On the question of Bini/Yoruba tussle over hierarchy, the ruling (monarchy) class in most societies is an implant. His root lies elsewhere.

So where is the root for these two?


3. On the presence of affluent blacks in Brazil, there were established intercontinental trade and commerce across the ocean before arrival of continental Europe on our shores. The portuguese had an understanding and appreciation of the black man that his brother in upper Europe lacked.


Anyway, need three hrs sleep before I get back up. I will post an oral on one of my bloodlines later.


Again, Great job and I "clap, clap, clap" for your efforts :-)

Sorry, can't do family story! 

Here's instead pictures of Lagos Kings and the Lagos Royal Logo

more. . .

more. . .

Reference: A thread focusing on Nigeria's more recent history.
https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-693700.0.html

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-675773.192.html#msg8427566

Kilode?!:


That life is fleeting, history is cyclical, that we existed before Nigeria and we will be here after it.

That Leaders cannot do good all by themselves. Human beings are naturally selfish. They have to be compelled by a well oiled system of laws, custom, culture and a programmed or forced sense of belonging to care for others beyond themselves and their immediate family.

That ultimately, people should matter more that rules, regulations, norms, culture.

That pride can be learned and government systems can be rebuilt (the British forced new systems on us, didn't they?) we can do the same. It does not mean the country will collapse.

That we need to value our people, make the quest for their progress an obsession -especially if you are in leadership- recognize the right of the individual to seek freedom and emancipate herself from oppression.

plus more. . . We can learn plenty of lessons from these stories, and from our history.

Great post. 

Let's have more people!

As the year rolls to an end, I pour libation for our ancestors.

Someone should list the Kiriji war Generals here. I'll try when I get a minute.

. . . or better yet start a new and distinct thread outlining all Yoruba wars. Do you know how many wars Yorubas fought? Im surprised we are still in existence. lol! It will be good to know if there is any other African people that has fought that many wars as the Yorubas. Combined. . . they would probably be 30 or more.

I have spent the last 5 hours reading thru all these posts. They are too wonderful to be true, and i have to raise my hats to everyone for their friendly banters and never letting this degenerate to some tribal bashing and name-calling despite some prodding.

Does anyone know anything about the reign of the Yoruba kings, Alara and Ajero.

'Ko baje laye Alara, ko baje laye Ajero'. These kings were suppose to have some of the most peaceful reigns.

Lagos people whr una dey nw,

Lovely thread.

some more addition coming soon hopefully

IG:

Rabeh Azzubair Ibn Fadlallah
A great but brutal warrior who has conquered and ruled Kanem-Borno empire for 8 years before being killed in war. He was a major obstacle to the france's aim of conquering central Africa, an area he has largely conquered. Europeans call him the Napoleon of Africa. Rabeh's campaign in Borno is the source of the relative rivalry between the Kanuris and the Shuwa Arabs today in Borno.

Wikipedia's account of him is fairly accurate and I reproduce part of it below.A great but brutal warrior who has conquered and ruled Kanem-Borno empire for 8 years before being killed in war. He was a major obstacle to the france's aim of conquering central Africa, an area he has largely conquered. Europeans call him the Napoleon of Africa. Rabeh's campaign in Borno is the source of the relative rivalry between the Kanuris and the Shuwa Arabs today in Borno.
 
Wikipedia's account of him is fairly accurate and I reproduce part of it below.

Quote
Conquest of Borno (1893)

In 1893, Rabih also turned his attentions to the Borno Empire of Shehu (king) Ashimi of Borno. Borno was a Sahelian region that traced its origins back to the Middle Ages. That year, the empire consisted of 80,000 soldiers, mostly slaves commanded by slaves, and was in full decline.

On the road to Borno, Rabih made prisoner the sultan of Karnak Logone, whose capital promptly opened its doors to his host. Shehu Ashimi of Borno sent 15,000 men to confront Rabih; the latter routed them in May or September 1893 first at Am Hobbio (south of Dikoa) and then at Legaroua with only 2,000 horse. Ashimi fled north of the Komadougou Yobe from where he may have tried to negotiate with Rabih; but he was assassinated at the instigation of his nephew Kyari, who then became shehu and decided to fight Rabih. Rabih met Kyari at Gashegar, a two days' walk from Kukawa, the capital of Borno; Kiyari defeated Rabih af

In 1899, Rabih received in Dikoa the French explorer Ferdinand de Béhagle. The talks between them degenerated, and Béhagle was arrested. On July 17, Lieutenant Bretonnet, who had been sent by France against Rabih, was killed with most of his men at Togbao, at the edge of the Chari River, in present-day Sarh. Rabih gained three cannons from this victory (which the French recaptured at Kousséri) and ordered his son Fadlallah, who he had left in Dikoa, to hang Béhagle.

In response, a French column proceeding from Gabon and led by Émile Gentil, supported by the steamboat Leon Blot, confronted Rabih at Kouno at the end of the year. Even if the French were repulsed with losses, this did not prevent them from continuing and taking Kousséri. Here, they combined with the Lamy column, which had arrived from Algeria, and the Joalland-Meynier column, which had marched from Niger. Lamy assumed command of the combined forces.

The final showdown between Rabih and the French took place on April 22, 1900. The French forces disposed of 700 men, plus the 600 riflemen and 200 cavalry provided by the allied Baguirmians. Leaving Kousséri in three columns, the French attacked Rabih's camp. Although the commander Lamy was killed in the ensuing battle, Rabih's forces were overwhelmed and, while fleeing across the Chari River, Rabih was killed.

With Rabih's defeat, his empire rapidly disintegrated. A year later his son Fadlallah was defeated and killed, while his chief vassal, Mohammed al-Senussi, was murdered in 1911 at French instigation. All Rabih's territories fell into French hands, except for Borno which went to Britain.


According to Borno elders Rabeh killed the french commander Lamey just befor he himself died. I think that's one thing the Wikipedia article failed to say. Rabeh may be a tyrant, but he was also a great warrior.

IG,

I just went back to re-read this post, it's quite interesting. From Borno to Benin, it's obvious that our ancestors tried and fought galantly to repel the influence and control of europeans, this rabih even killed French commanders, just like Oba Ovonramwen did against the British.

The same story was told across many of our old kingdoms, that we eventually fell under their control is not the whole story, we should tell these histories more. Great contribution, thanks for sharing. Please share more if you can.

^^^^^^^
Seconded man, Some Idiots think they just gave us mirrors and whiskey and we signed off our ancestral lands to them.

What about Queen Amina? Leader of the Zaria?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=297684823586804&set=a.137591366262818.17658.137580649597223&type=1&theater

Queen Amina of Zaria
The seven original states of Hausaland: Katsina, Daura, Kano, Zazzau, Gobir, Rano, and Garun Gabas cover an area of approximately 500 square miles and comprise the heart of Hausaland. In the sixteenth century, Queen Bakwa Turunku built the capital of Zazzau at Zaria, named after her younger daughter. Eventually, the entire state of Zazzau was renamed Zaria, which is now a province in present-day Nigeria.

However it was her elder daughter, the legendary Amina (or Aminatu), who inherited her mother's warlike nature. Amina was 16 years old when her mother became queen and she was given the traditional title of magajiya. She honed her military skills and became famous for her bravery and military exploits, as she is celebrated in song as "Amina daughter of Nikatau, a woman as capable as a man." (Amina, Yar Bakwa ta san rana)

Amina is credited as the architect who created the strong earthen walls around the city, which was the prototype for the fortifications used in all Hausa states. She built many of these fortifications, which became known as ganuwar Amina or Amina's walls, around various conquered cities.

The objectives of her conquests were twofold: extension of Zazzau beyond its primary borders and reducing the conquered cities to vassal status. Sultan Muhammad Bello of Sokoto stated that, "She made war upon these countries and overcame them entirely so that the people of Katsina paid tribute to her and the men of Kano [and], also made war on cities of Bauchi till her kingdom reached to the sea in the south and the west." Likewise, she led her armies as far as Nupe and, according to the Kano Chronicle, "The Sarkin Nupe sent her [the princess] 40 eunuchs and 10,000 kola nuts. She was the first in Hausaland to own eunuchs and kola nuts."

Amina was a preeminent gimbiya (princess) but various theories exist as to the time of her reign or if she ever was a queen. One explanation states that she reigned from approximately 1536 to 1573, while another posits that she became queen after her brother Karama's death, in 1576. Yet another claims that although she was a leading princess, she was never a queen.

Despite the discrepancies, over a 34-year period, her many conquests and subsequent annexation of the territories extended the borders of Zaria, which also grew in importance and became the center of the North-South Saharan trade and the East-West Sudan trade. — with Akerele Christiana Bukola, Ajoke Ajayi, Ayo Adebayo, Hasan Rufad, Furera Mohammed, Amanda Dee, Mudassir Abdullahi Ibrahim, Yemisi Adebayo, Bukola Faboyede, Binkie Christopher Brown, Mary Bosede Otokiti and Bamikola Adjaryieso.

Which one be comment?

Kilode?!:



IG,

I just went back to re-read this post, it's quite interesting. From Borno to Benin, it's obvious that our ancestors tried and fought galantly to repel the influence and control of europeans, this rabih even killed French commanders, just like Oba Ovonramwen did against the British.

The same story was told across many of our old kingdoms, that we eventually fell under their control is not the whole story, we should tell these histories more. Great contribution, thanks for sharing. Please share more if you can.

alj harem: Lovely thread.

some more addition coming soon hopefully

LIST OF GREAT PRE-COLONIAL LEADERS IN ORDER OF POST
Now we can see who's already been mentioned. Make a post about a new entry or feel free to provide additional information about any of the below.

- LISABI, A Leader of the Egba people of Yorubaland
Lived in the mid-1700s to early 1800s

- Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (1888-1914)

- JAJA OF OPOBO (1821 - 1891), originally Jubo Jubogha

- Ewuare the Great Oba of Benin (r. c. 1440–1473)

- SOUN OGUNLOLA OF OGBOMOSO

- SANGO OF OYO KINGDOM

- KURUNMI OF IJAYE

- QUEEN AMINA OF ZAZZAU

- PRINCESS INIKPI OF IGALALAND

- OGEDENGBE AGBOGUNGBORO

- MOREMI AJASORO

- Mai Dunama Dabbalemi

- Samuel Johnson of Yorubaland (1846 to 1901)

- Tsoede the leader of the Nupe kingdom and the fulani conquest of Nupe and Illorin

- Oke Nnachi

- Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1809-1891)

- Oba Ewuare the Great (1440-1473 CE)

- Eze Nri Ìfikuánim leader of the Nri kingdom

- Bashorun Sodeke of Egba
Died: 1845?

- Adeyemi the founder of ikoyi/VI in Lagos (eko which means cassava farm) and the Onikoyi linage

- ADAMU Orisa the man that started eyo festival, first oba of Lagos and the great connection between bini and yoruba in Lagos

- Obi Eze Chima being the first King of Onitsha(16th century)

- Mai Idris Alooma (ruled 1571–1603)
Idris Alooma was mai (king) of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, located mainly in Chad and Nigeria

- Shehu al-Hajj Muhammad al-Amîn ibn Muhammad al-Kânemî (Arabic: محمد لرشيد ابن محمد الكامانی‎) (1776–1837)

- Agwu Inobia or Eze Agwu the man that was the founding father of igbo Arochukwu

- Two brothers Prince Osim and Akuma Nnubi of Akpa cross river state

- Kakpokpo Okon ibibio prince from the Obong Okon Ita Kingdom

- Another foundering father of igbo Arochukwu Nnachi Ipia

- Akpan Okon the last obong(king)of Obong Okon Ita around 1690-1720

- Oke Nnachi the First son of one of the founders of Igbo Arochukwu

- Ogbeyan the founder of Ogbia kingdom

- Oba Esigie of Benin (ruled c.1504-c.1550 AD)
Great ruler of Benin who also commissioned great art

- OONI Luwoo Gbagida (FEMALE)
21st? Ooni of Ife
Circa 1000 C.E

- Balogun Bello Kuku of ijebuland during the latter part of the nineteenth century

- Queen Idia (Mother of Oba Esigie) end of the fifteenth century

- Madam Efunroye Tinubu (19th century), Nigerian businesswoman and patriot from Abeokuta, after whom a prominent Lagos landmark, "Tinubu Square," is named

- Rabeh Azzubair Ibn Fadlallah (19th century) conquered and ruled Kanem-Borno empire

- Nana Asma’u (full name: Nana Asma’u bint Shehu Usman dan Fodiyo, Arabic: نانا أسماء بنت عثمان فودي‎; 1793–1864) was a princess, poet, teacher, and daughter of the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman dan Fodio.

- Yunfa (r. 1801 - 1808) was a king of the Hausa city-state of Gobirwhen Hausaland was without Islam

- Usman dan Folio (1754–1817) was the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1809, the Great Jihadist that introduced Islam to Hausa, Yoruba, Nupe etc

- Sultan Nafata of Gobir (r.1797–98) the hausa king when Hausaland was without Islam

- Muhammed Bello (reigned 1815 - 1837), son of Usman dan Folio and second sultan of sokoto

- Abu Bakr Atiku(1782–1842) was the brother of Muhammed Bello and the third sultan of sokoto

- Ali bin Bello I (1808–1859) was the 4th Sultan of Sokoto from 1842 to 1859

- Dan Halima, Usuman Masa, Karari and other Great Hausa/fulani/kanuri warriors in kebbi and sokoto

- Sunni Ali (reign 1464–1492), one of the first Hausa kings before the introduction of Islam

- Sarkin Yauri Garba the first of Yauri kingdom(kebbi) before mali invasion

- Ali II of Bornu one of the early ruler of Borno which was before Ali III
Alhaji Ali (also Ali bin Umar) was Mai (ruler) of the Bornu Empire, in what is now the African states of Chad, Nigeria, and Niger, from 1639 to around 1680

- Abu Ishaq Ibrahim Al-Kanemi (died in 1212), a poet and grammarian from Kanem-Borno. His work is the oldest known literature work from anywhere in Nigeria

(more to come)

Katsumoto: [size=14pt]Erelu Kuti, Oba Akinsemoyin, and Ologun kutere[/size]

Ikadan palace was the home of Erelu Kuti, mother of Ologun Kutere (the fourth king of Lagos, whose reign lasted 25 years from 1750, and the lineage from which the recently late Oba Oyekan) and Sokun (the Fashina-Jinadu-Bombata lineage) emerged.

History has it that there are only two ruling houses in Lagos namely Akinsemoyin and Ologun Kutere. The first Oba of Lagos was Ado, the son of Prince Ashipa (Esikpa) of Benin. Ado had three children, Gabbaro, Akinsemoyin and a female, Erelu Kuti. After the death of Ado, his eldest son, Gabbaro, succeeded him. Gabarro's line became extinct because he had no child. Therefore, upon his death, Akinsemoyin, his younger brother took over.

While Akinsemoyin was still alive, Erelu Kuti married Alagba, the medicine man who had predicted that Akinsemoyin would become Oba. Alagba, an Ijesha man from Ilesha, was a diviner for Oba Akinsemoyin.

Oba Akinsemoyin built a palace called Iga Alagba at Idumota for Alagba because he could not belong to the Oba's palace since he (Alagba) was not a member of the royal family. Akinsemoyin, according to history, had a set of triplets, all boys after having some daughters. Because it was a taboo in those days to have twins let alone triplets, the three boys were smuggled out of the palace. Due to the poor condition under which the triplets were kept, two died, leaving one.

Therefore, when Akinsemoyin died in 1749 after ruling for 44 years, Ologun Kutere, the product of the union between Erelu Kuti and Alagba was made Oba. Though, Akinsemoyin was said to have other sons after the set of triplets, they were said to be very young at the time of the Oba's death.

It was said that due to Akinsemoyin's magnanimity, he did not appoint any of his elder daughters as regent pending when the eldest son born after the triplets would come of age. Because of the love he had for his sister, Erelu Kuti, before he died, he sanctioned the appointment of Ologun Kutere as his successor.

However, a slightly different account of the history of succession has been which sais that when Oba Akinsemoyin died, Gabarro's son, Kekere, who was in turn succeeded by Ologun Kutere, succeeded him.

From the genealogy of the kings of Lagos it was Ologun Kutere that replaced Akinsemoyin in 1749. Since then, only the descendants of Ologun Kutere have been occupying the position of Oba of Lagos. The late Oba Oyekan II belonged to that house.

How did Erelu Kuti marry Alagba and what role did Akinsemoyin play in the marriage? According to history: "On the advice of Alagba, he (Akinsemoyin) performed certain rituals and ceremonies which included putting up a white flag on what is now Victoria Island.

As a result of this, the Portuguese came. This was the first contact with Europeans in this part of the world and it heralded the advent of western civilisation as well as Christianity. The Portuguese in the course of time built Iga Idungaran for Oba Akinsemoyin, part of which is still in existence and is incorporated into the new palace.

"Satisfied that all was well with Oba Akinsemoyin, Alagba then expressed the desire to return to Ilesha for the remaining part of his life. Oba Akinsemoyin agreed and in gratitude offered him any of his daughters he fancied as a wife.

While they were talking, a source has it, Erelu passed by and heard what they were discussing. At an opportune time she told her brother that she would gladly marry Alagba.

"On one point the two sources agree and that is that Oba Akinsemoyin was jubilant. He blessed his sister, conferred a royal honour on her and predicted that she would bear children who would reign in Lagos. The prediction of Oba Akinsemoyin came to be, as it seems, a vengeance.

"How has this affected succession to the obaship? In the first place, the House of Gabarro is extinct leaving the House of Akinsemoyin and the House of Ologun-Kutere.

What then should be the pattern of succession? It should follow the established and time-honoured principle laid down in the era of Ado. Consequently, the House of Akinsemoyin should be the first ruling house. In fairness to Oba Ologun-Kutere's descendants, the House should be divided into three sub-houses: Eshinlokun, Adele-Ajosun and Akitoye. The three obas are children of Oba Ologun-Kutere.

"In effect, succession will be from two Ruling Houses - the House of Akinsemoyin and the House of Ologun-Kutere. Selection as to who should reign in the House of Ologun-Kutere should be in strict rotation. First the sub-house of Oshinlokun, then that of Adele-Ajosun and finally that of Akitoye."

The problem with the above narrative as with many narratives on the history of Lagos, is the fact that many modern day writers try to either Yorubanise or Binise the original and celebrated names of persons and places in the story of the founding of Lagos.

To properly understand the story of Lagos, one must try to understand the meaning of all the prominent names of the key persons in ancient Lagos and the historical remains i.e names of places in Lagos named by the Edos.

At the time Lagos was founded by the Portuguese and the Edos, the Yorubas were in Oyo Empire. The Bini army were in Oshodi , Iddo and Etin Osa (all Bini names) The Edo army that was invited to finally dislodge the very strong and stubborn Awori army was the Uromi, Esan, Edo army.

The name of Chief Priest Alagba is a latter day yorubanisation of the Uromi war god Agba. Alu-Agba in Uromi Esan means the shrine of Agba. Agba was the Uromi King that fought Oba Ozolua of Benin for about seven years till their soldiers conspired to kill them and end the war. The presence of Alu-Agba in Eko is without doubt; incontrovertible proof that the Uromi soldiers under the larger Edo army dislodged the Aworis and founded the Eko camp. Eko is specifically Esan-Edo. Idumu and Idis as in Idumota and Idumagbo are specifically Esan Edo. Igbon as in Oyingbo and Igboshere are specifically Esan Edo words. Oloto as in Oloto of Lagos and Iga (Egua) Palace are all specifically Esan Edo.

The greatest proof that Uromi soldiers founded and govern Lagos is the presence of the ancient Uromi god of war Alu-Agba in Eko.

LIGHT OF GOD:


The problem with the above narrative as with many narratives on the history of Lagos, is the fact that many modern day writers try to either Yorubanise or Binise the original and celebrated names of persons and places in the story of the founding of Lagos.

To properly understand the story of Lagos, one must try to understand the meaning of all the prominent names of the key persons in ancient Lagos and the historical remains i.e names of places in Lagos named by the Edos.

At the time Lagos was founded by the Portuguese and the Edos, the Yorubas were in Oyo Empire. The Bini army were in Oshodi , Iddo and Etin Osa (all Bini names) The Edo army that was invited to finally dislodge the very strong and stubborn Awori army was the Uromi, Esan, Edo army.

The name of Chief Priest Alagba is a latter day yorubanisation of the Uromi war god Agba. Alu-Agba in Uromi Esan means the shrine of Agba. Agba was the Uromi King that fought Oba Ozolua of Benin for about seven years till their soldiers conspired to kill them and end the war. The presence of Alu-Agba in Eko is without doubt; incontrovertible proof that the Uromi soldiers under the larger Edo army dislodged the Aworis and founded the Eko camp. Eko is specifically Esan-Edo. Idumu and Idis as in Idumota and Idumagbo are specifically Esan Edo. Igbon as in Oyingbo and Igboshere are specifically Esan Edo words. Oloto as in Oloto of Lagos and Iga (Egua) Palace are all specifically Esan Edo.

The greatest proof that Uromi soldiers founded and govern Lagos is the presence of the ancient Uromi god of war Alu-Agba in Eko.

I really don't know what to make of this post. It has no connection to my original post. It seems you just wanted to share your 'knowledge' and decided to connect the dots. Uromi or any other place or group fought as part of the Bini empire and consequently, the ruling kingdom/empire makes the major decisions. Its like saying the Spanish or Bulgarians, who fought as part of the Roman empire, would have claimed the territories they fought in. The glory belonged to Rome. No one cares whether Uromi or Tiv men fought with Bini.

You state the Edos and portuguese founded Lagos, that the Yoruba were in the Oyo empire, and that the Edo dislodged the Awori army. Are the Aworis not Yoruba just like the Oyo? How can two groups found a place? It can only be one, not both. I suspect you are from Uromi and you are just seeking to 'big up' Uromi.

Saw this post in another thread and find it pertinent to our topic. Thanks, Alj.

Chief Balogun Landuji Oshodi Tapa, 1800s, Lagos Island

alj harem: Chief Balogun Landuji Oshodi Tapa was an outstanding warrior and a statesman. During the reign of King Eshilokun, he immigrated to Lagos from Bida in what is now known as the Niger State. This was after he had lost his parents in a tribal war when he was only six years old. He put himself under the protection of the King as his servant in order to prevent himself from being taken and sold into slavery. The King in turn put him under the supervision of one of his trusted men, Fagbemi.

Some years later, one of the Portuguese merchants, a friend of King Eshilokun, asked the king to let two of his children accompany him to Portugal and he promised to bring them back. The King was very wary of this offer and he thought instead of risking the lives of any of his own children, he would offer two people loyal to him. Hence he chose Oshodi and Dada Antonio to go with the Portuguese merchant.

While the King thought he was protecting the interests of his own children, he was in fact denying them an opportunity that would have benefited them more in the future.

Oshodi and Dada Antonio went with the Portuguese merchant to America and they were later returned to the King after many years.

On arrival from America, Oshodi was employed by Messrs. G. L. Gaiser as a Commission Agent and Toll Collector. With the arrival of the ships of the Portuguese merchants, business flourished, and Oshodi’s commissions from sales increased and he eventually became a rich man. Oshodi never forgot the hands that fed him, so to speak; he continued to be loyal to the King and was made a chief solely responsible for looking after the King’s wives. He was the only one who could go into the Queen’s apartment to oversee repairs, if the need arose.

After the death of King Eshinlokun, Chief Oshodi remained loyal to his children. He particularly cast his lot with Idewu Ojulari who succeeded his father. After the reign of Chief Idewu Ojulari, Kosoko, a son of Oshinlokun, was said to be the rightful heir to the throne, but he was an enemy of Chief Eletu Odibo, whose duty was to install and crown any new king. It was said at the time, that young Prince Kosoko had seduced Eletu Odibo’s would-be wife. In retaliation, Eletu Odibo used his powerful position to crown Oluwole as the next King of Lagos in 1836.

Kosoko and other descendants of King Eshilokun were not satisfied with the decision

and were ready to show their resentment. They waged a war against King Oluwole and Chief Eletu Odibo. Kosoko and his warriors invaded Isale-Eko. The battle was fierce and prolonged but ended with victory on the side of the king’s army. Kosoko fled to Whydah, realizing the consequences of his action.



When King Oluwole died, Akitoye was crowned in 1841 as the next King of Lagos.

Conscious of the right of Kosoko to the throne, Akitoye justly decided to search for Kosoko his nephew, who had taken refuge in Whydah. He believed that he must enjoy his patronage while on the throne. Akitoye organized a search party under the command of bold and gallant Chief Oshodi. The rapidity with which the party achieved its success was directly related to the military might of Chief Oshodi.

Kosoko finally returned to Lagos with Chief Oshodi in a vessel belonging to a merchant called, Domingo.



Henceforth, Chief Oshodi worked to maintain peace between Kosoko and Akintoye, and eventually brought the two together on terms. The peace effort was thwarted by Chief Eletu Odibo who had employed all the persuasive words he could, to dissuade King Akitoye from bringing Kosoko back to Lagos. He believed that Lagos would not contain the two of them. For a while, he did all he could to create conflicts between them, but later left Lagos for exile in Badagry.



When a war broke out between King Akitoye and Kosoko, Chief Oshodi loyally pitched his tent with Kosoko, the son of Eshilokun, through thick and thin. Akitoye asked Eletu Odibo to return to Lagos with his warriors to fight on his side. Akitoye’s men led by Eletu Odibo were soundly defeated. Eletu Odibo was captured in an ambush and killed.



With the death of Eletu Odibo, the elders advised Akitoye to escape to his mother’s town in Abeokuta. When Kosoko heard about the plan, he detailed his war chief, Oshodi, to lay ambush for Akitoye, kill him, and bring his head before him. Akitoye was in fact caught by Oshodi in the Agboyi waters, but instead of killing him, he paid homage to him and his Lord and prayed for his safe journey and safe return.



Chief Oshodi returned to report to Kosoko that Akitoye had escaped by the use of a powerful charm which put them all to sleep when he was passing. Historians were not able to assign any reason for the treatment which Oshodi gave Akitoye when in fact he was on orders to bring his head to Kosoko. In 1845, Kosoko defeated Akitoye and ascended the throne. In the meantime, Chief Oshodi remained Kosoko’s “Abagbon” war chief.



While in exile, Akitoye appealed to the British Government for help to restore him to his throne. A war broke out; the British started to bombard Lagos, setting the town on fire. Kosoko’s defense under the command of Chief Oshodi was effective and modern by the international standard of the time. After nine days of consecutive serious military actions, the British fleet unleashed excessive gun power which resulted in the defeat of Kosoko’s fleet. Under this unfavorable condition, Kosoko had to flee to Epe with Chief Oshodi and his warriors on the night of the13th of August 1853.

Akitoye was brought back to Lagos by the British Consul and was restored as the King of Lagos. Akitoye died on the 2nd of September 1853, about two weeks after Kosoko and his men had fled. In the afternoon of September 3rd, 1853, his son, Dosunmu was formally installed as the King of Lagos.

Although the war seemed to have ended with Kosoko in exile, there were sporadic raids on Lagos from Epe; disturbing the peace and trade of the island. The raids caused the British Consul Campbell, the Elders, and White Cap chiefs of Lagos, to initiate a move to reconcile the warring royal relatives.

On the 26th of January 1854, a peace conference, historically known as Langbasa meeting, was held at Agbekin (Palaver Island) about four months after King Dosunmu’s coronation. The British Consul’s party included the Commander of HMS Plato with other officers under his command, and Kosoko’s party which included Chief Oshodi Tapa and Chief Onisemo Adeburusi of Epe. They came without Kosoko in about sixty canoes each containing forty men. King Dosunmu was represented by several white cap chiefs and war chiefs.

At the opening of this remarkable conference, the Epe people, led by Chief Oshodi Tapa expressed their strong desire to return to Lagos a to the British Consul and be at peace with their friends and relatives. Chief Oshodi proposed that Kosoko be allowed to return to Lagos and live as a private person.

The proposal was not agreeable to the Consul on the basis that two Kings could not rein in Lagos. As an appeasement, Chief Oshodi was offered to return alone as the Consul for the people of Epe, but he declined the offer and insisted on Kosoko’s return from exile. Several years later in 1862, Kosoko was allowed back to Lagos with his war chief, after signing a peace treaty negotiated with the British Consul by Chief Oshodi.

Governor Glover was very grateful for Chief Oshodi’s contributions to peace in Lagos.

On their arrival to Lagos, Governor Glover sought permission from Aromire to give part of Epetedo to Chief Oshodi. For himself, his family, his followers, and servants who returned with him from Epe, he held the area under the native customary law of land tenure, subject to the native system of the devolution of land.

The palace of Oshodi is located in the center of the area of land in Epetedo. The area is uniquely laid out into 21 compounds. Four of these compounds; Oshodi, Akinyemi, Ewumi, and Alagbede courts belong exclusively to Chief Balogun Oshodi’s extended family.

For the most notable and extraordinary role of Chief Oshodi in the restoration of peace to Lagos and his contribution to the Government of Lagos, he was presented by Governor Glover on the Lagos Race Course grounds with a sword from Mr. Cardwell, the Secretary of State to the British Government. The sword was inscribed “presented by the Government of Queen Victoria to Chief Tapa in commemoration of the loyal services rendered by him to the Government of Lagos”

With his background of having been to America, Oshodi did not miss the opportunity to educate his children. He solicited Governor Glover to educate one of his children in England. This child later assumed the surname of Oshodi-Glover.

Chief Balogun Oshodi Tapa died on 2nd of July1868 about six years after his return from exile in Epe, leaving forty six surviving children. His body was laid to rest at the center of Oshodi Street in Epetedo, Lagos. The descendants of Chief Oshodi constructed an imposing edifice at his burial site, as a monument to the memory of the renowned warlord, peacemaker, and statesman. This monument has been classified as a historic site by the Lagos State Government.

It remains unclear how the ruling houses were determined by the Chieftaincy Committee under the Obas and Chiefs Law of the century. Nevertheless, the following are the twelve ruling houses in the Oshodi Tapa Chieftaincy according to the Registered Declaration:

Ruling Houses:

1. Feyishitan

2. Eshugbayi

3. Fatusi

4. Obadimeji

5. Jose

6. Lagbayi

7. Sakariyawo

8. Amore

9. Ewumi

10. Kobile

11. Modina

12. Alli-Igunnu

In the event of a vacancy, the order of rotation is as above, starting from Feyishitan Ruling House having taken into account those ruling houses that had produced chiefs after Chief Balogun Oshodi Tapa.


http://www.oshodi.org/history/balogun.html

https://www.nairaland.com/1176293/nupe-families-lagos#14030305

Nice thread

Nice thread keep it burning

Three harvests later, the people gathered at their village square to discuss their relationship with their god-friend. Agbonmiregun, the priest, said at the gathering: “Dear citizens, I welcome you. We are here to jointly express our thanks to God for hearing our prayers. For a long time we prayed to Him to send us a leader. The oracles foretold that God would send the leader from the land of the Rising Sun. I thought it would not happen in my life-time. Now the leader has come. He has come down to teach our young ones the technique of hunting. Since his advent, our sons have become brave and accomplished hunters; farmers now have plentiful harvest. The barns are full; no more hunger. Disease and sickness have been reduced. With a single leaf, he cures yaws, guinea worm and scabies; just one leaf and mortality rate has been reduced. Should a personage of that statue continue to live there, in the forest? I say no! And I know I speak for all of you. I propose that we invite him to live among us. We should build a house for him, and give him our daughters to marry to beget his kind and perpetuate his line in our country. I call on you to give me the mandate to send a delegation to invite him down.”

“Go on, Agbonmiregun; send a delegation to him,” the people shouted unanimously.” Agbonmiregun then turned to Ilowa, “take with you as many persons as you consider necessary and go to him. Come over and collect wearing apparels and a staff for him. Ogun, Eshindale and Obameri will go with you. Go and tell him it is our wish that he comes and lives among us. Go and prepare. You set out on the seventh day from today.”

Ilowa and his delegation meet Ekaladerhan in the forest. “Greetings, god of the forest. My name is Ilowa. I am the custodian of records for our people. This is Ogun, Eshindale, Obameri…, They are elders in our country. We bring you greetings from our people. The oracles foretold your coming a long time ago. We did not know it would be in our life-time. We are happy that our eyes have seen you. Glory be to Olodumare. Your coming has liberated us from hunger and from diseases. We thank you for the wonderful things you have done in our lives. We have been mandated to bring you these gifts and to invite you to come and live with us. We will build a home for you on the highest peak in town and give our daughters to you in marriage.”


This piece will make a good Nollywood blockbuster. The certainty of this history is incomprehensible and a one sided exposition. It calls for more questions than ever debated: why are heads of Benin buried in Ife? why all the blessing required of an Oba of Benin from Ife before enthronement. I think our generation should approach history with more creativity and seek more knowledge.
Personally whether Ogiso or Oduduwa I do not share an idea that someone fall from the sky! I mean its just does not make any sense. What if the Ogiso's also 'fall' from somewhere outside Benin or Igodomido say Ife or areas around Ekiti? The truth is that Ife and Benin have interwoven background which may be through conquest or inter marriage or even same source as cousins or brothers. All these superiority contest must be assessed and laid to rest for ever!
http://www.raceandhistory.com/cgi-bin/forum/webbbs_config.pl/noframes/read/2316[/quote]

Alaafin Abiodun died in 1789 and was suceeded by Awole who committed suicide in 1796. Now Awole was succeeded by his brother Adebo. The succession of Awole by Adebo plunged Oyo into civil war as Afonja (Awole's nephew) was expecting to be made Alaafin but was checked by the Mesi. Adebo lasted a few months before dying in 1797 and was succeeded by Makua who also committed suicide after losing a battle to the Ilorins in the same year. Following the death of Makua, there was an interrugnum for five years as civil war raged in the empire. Dom Oba 1 was sold as a slave in the early part of the 19th century. Could possibly have been during the civil wars or by those fearing his right to the throne. After the interregnum, Majotu became Alaafin and his reign was the most stable for a while as he reigned between 1802 and 1830. My guess - he was sold deliberately to pave the way for someone else to be Alaafin.Custódio José Joaquim de AlmeidaNow this guy's story is so confusing that I can only conclude that a story was manufactured for him by the British when he got to Brazil. He is alleged to have come from Dahomey and left as a result of the conflict between the British and the French. But I dont see why an African Chief would have to leave as a result of that. He is also alleged to have been a worshipper of Batuque but Batuque originated in Cape Verde. If we are to follow a West African conflict, then it is likely to have been the Ijaiye war which started in1859 and ended in 1862, the same year that Custódio left Africa. There are some other texts in Portuguese about him; I will try and see if there's more information that can shed light on his origins.

I started this list so it would be easier for everyone to see and reference those personalities that have already been posted here, but didn't finish it. All right, better late than never, huh.

From Page 0 to Page 8:

- LISABI, A Leader of the Egba people of Yorubaland
Lived in the mid-1700s to early 1800s

- Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (1888-1914)

- JAJA OF OPOBO (1821 - 1891), originally Jubo Jubogha

- Ewuare the Great Oba of Benin (r. c. 1440–1473)

- SOUN OGUNLOLA OF OGBOMOSO

- SANGO OF OYO KINGDOM

- KURUNMI OF IJAYE

- QUEEN AMINA OF ZAZZAU

- PRINCESS INIKPI OF IGALALAND

- OGEDENGBE AGBOGUNGBORO

- MOREMI AJASORO

- Mai Dunama Dabbalemi

- Samuel Johnson of Yorubaland (1846 to 1901)

- Tsoede the leader of the Nupe kingdom and the fulani conquest of Nupe and Illorin

- Oke Nnachi

- Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1809-1891)

- Oba Ewuare the Great (1440-1473 CE)

- Eze Nri Ìfikuánim leader of the Nri kingdom

- Bashorun Sodeke of Egba
Died: 1845?

- Adeyemi the founder of ikoyi/VI in Lagos (eko which means cassava farm) and the Onikoyi linage

- ADAMU Orisa the man that started eyo festival, first oba of Lagos and the great connection between bini and yoruba in Lagos

- Obi Eze Chima being the first King of Onitsha(16th century)

- Mai Idris Alooma (ruled 1571–1603)
Idris Alooma was mai (king) of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, located mainly in Chad and Nigeria

- Shehu al-Hajj Muhammad al-Amîn ibn Muhammad al-Kânemî (Arabic: محمد لرشيد ابن محمد الكامانی‎) (1776–1837)

- Agwu Inobia or Eze Agwu the man that was the founding father of igbo Arochukwu

- Two brothers Prince Osim and Akuma Nnubi of Akpa cross river state

- Kakpokpo Okon ibibio prince from the Obong Okon Ita Kingdom

- Another foundering father of igbo Arochukwu Nnachi Ipia

- Akpan Okon the last obong(king)of Obong Okon Ita around 1690-1720

- Oke Nnachi the First son of one of the founders of Igbo Arochukwu

- Ogbeyan the founder of Ogbia kingdom

- Oba Esigie of Benin (ruled c.1504-c.1550 AD)
Great ruler of Benin who also commissioned great art

- OONI Luwoo Gbagida (FEMALE)
21st? Ooni of Ife
Circa 1000 C.E

- Balogun Bello Kuku of ijebuland during the latter part of the nineteenth century

- Queen Idia (Mother of Oba Esigie) end of the fifteenth century

- Madam Efunroye Tinubu (19th century), Nigerian businesswoman and patriot from Abeokuta, after whom a prominent Lagos landmark, "Tinubu Square," is named

- Rabeh Azzubair Ibn Fadlallah (19th century) conquered and ruled Kanem-Borno empire

- Nana Asma’u (full name: Nana Asma’u bint Shehu Usman dan Fodiyo, Arabic: نانا أسماء بنت عثمان فودي‎; 1793–1864) was a princess, poet, teacher, and daughter of the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman dan Fodio.

- Yunfa (r. 1801 - 1808) was a king of the Hausa city-state of Gobirwhen Hausaland was without Islam

- Usman dan Folio (1754–1817) was the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1809, the Great Jihadist that introduced Islam to Hausa, Yoruba, Nupe etc

- Sultan Nafata of Gobir (r.1797–98) the hausa king when Hausaland was without Islam

- son of Usman dan Folio and second sultan of sokoto, Muhammed Bello (reigned 1815 - 1837),

- Abu Bakr Atiku(1782–1842) was the brother of Muhammed Bello and the third sultan of sokoto

- Ali bin Bello I (1808–1859) was the 4th Sultan of Sokoto from 1842 to 1859

- Dan Halima, Usuman Masa, Karari and other Great Hausa/fulani/kanuri warriors in kebbi and sokoto

- Sunni Ali (reign 1464–1492), one of the first Hausa kings before the introduction of Islam

- Sarkin Yauri Garba the first of Yauri kingdom(kebbi) before mali invasion

- Ali II of Bornu one of the early ruler of Borno which was before Ali III
Alhaji Ali (also Ali bin Umar) was Mai (ruler) of the Bornu Empire, in what is now the African states of Chad, Nigeria, and Niger, from 1639 to around 1680

- Abu Ishaq Ibrahim Al-Kanemi (died in 1212), a poet and grammarian from Kanem-Borno. His work is the oldest known literature work from anywhere in Nigeria

- Muhammad Bin Muhammad Al-Fullani Al-Kashinawi

- Mai Dâwûd of Kanuri borno and the inter-borno civil war

- Daura the mother of the Hausa states

- The powerful ruler of Gobir Askiya Muhammad

- General Muhammad Kanta (1512 - 1517)

- king, Muhammad Abû (c. 1505-1530) and Queen Bakwa (1536-67) with present day Abuja coming into play

- Nri Ifikuanim founder of the Nri kingdom and his wives

- The first Osemawe of Ondo Princess Olu Pupupu

- Eze Nri Òbalíke 1889-1936 [4]

- 18th century Afonja (Are-Onakakanfo) Sheik Alimi, ILORIN

- Ogiso Owodo, Ekaladerhan/Oduduwa

- Muhammad Makau dan Ishaqu Jatau of Abuja/Suleja Emirate

- Adama bi Ardo Hassana the first Ruler of Adamawa ad his son of Yobe

- Muhammad Rumfa

- Oranmiyan - 1st Alaafin of Oyo, Father of Eweka the 1st (Oba of Benin)

- The great Ojigi the ruler of the Yoruba Kingdom and the warrior that conquered Dahomey Kingdom among others

- The great Oluewe of Oyo the man that fought the Fulani in Illorin

- THE EPIC BATTLE BETWEEN THE YORUBAS AND THE ASHANTIS AT ATAKPAME (PRESENT DAY TOGO). IT IS POPULARLY KNOWN AS "THE BATTLE OF ATAKPAME"

- Erelu Kuti, Oba Akinsemoyin, and Ologun kutere

- Madam Omosa ti Ile-Ibadan

- The great Iduh the father of Idoma people of Nigeria

- Monkelewu – The healer of Saki

- Efunsetan Aniwura (The Onwer of Gold) 2nd Iyalode Of Ibadan

- Eze Chime the founder of Onitsha

- Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke and Esezi, the sons of Okpe and grandsons of Prince Igboze of Benin, who had migrated from Benin and founded a kingdom of his own at Olomu

- Okolo-ama (1310 AD) the first leader of okoloama in bonny town Niger-delta

- Queen Kambasa the First queen of Bonny and considered the first queen from the Niger Delta.

- Opuamakuba, his brother Kala-Beni (Alagbariye or Alagba-ari-gha), Asikunuma alias Okpara Asimini and the bonny civil war

- Ningi (1827-1850) the founder of Ningi present day bauchi state

- legendary Kalabari King Amakiri

- Perebo-kala-bari (King Kalabari) the first Kalabari king

- Ooni of Ife a female called Luwo Gbagida and her son Adekola Telu the founding father of Iwoland

- Momodu Ayinla Lamuye the most zealous muslim yoruba king (oba)

- Alaafin Aole (Reigned circa 1789 - 1817)

- Alaafin Abiodun (reigned ca. 1770–1789)

- Bashorun Gaha (or Gaa)

- Ozolua, Oba of Benin (Reigned circa 1481 - 1504)

- Hummay(1075) the man that introduced Islam to Kanem empire (kanuri) who was also the very first King of the Kanem empire

- Mai Sef (750 AD) the first king the borno kanuri empire king before the introduction of Islam

- The great Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanemi of the kanuri people (1776–1837)

- Kyari was Shehu of Borno in 1893.

- Ashimi or Hashimi (1840s-1893) was Shehu of Borno from 1885 to 1893.

- Umar of Borno (died 1881) was Shehu (Sheik) of the Kanem-Bornu Empire and son of Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanemi.

- Dunama IX Lefiami of borno

- Ahmad Alimi and his fight with Usman dan Folio

- Momodu Lamuye

==========================================

I can hardly believe it's been 5 years since I started this thread. Surprisingly most of the discussion in the thread took place over a 2-day period. I salute all the participants, especially the contributors like AljHarem, Kilode, Katsumoto, Lajaja, IG, scoupusng, etc. While the activity of many of us on NL is sporadic to non-existent, I trust there are many others here that can add their own contributions so we can all continue to celebrate our ancestors and learn from their experience. A luta continua, vitoria e certa!

There's a lot of historical data on this site. Thanks!

"NIGERIA" CHRONOLOGY
30 Jun 1849 Bight of Biafra British protectorate.
1 Feb 1852 Bight of Benin British protectorate.
6 Aug 1861 Bights of Biafra and Benin a united protectorate.
6 Aug 1861 Lagos and adjacent area annexed by Britain.
5 Jun 1885 Niger Districts Protectorate (of United African Co)
13 Jan 1886 Lagos a separate colony.
10 Jul 1886 Niger River Delta Protectorate (of Royal Niger Co.)
1891 Oil Rivers Protectorate
13 May 1893 Niger Coast Protectorate
1 Jan 1900 British Nigerian colonies.
1 Jan 1900 Protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria.
28 Feb 1906 Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria
1 Jan 1914 Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria

aljharem3:
great site to visit as well

http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria_native.html

Note that we still want to to concentrate on individual achievers, so even when discussing particular territories, still endeavour to focus on persons and their contributions.

Oba Akinsemoyin of Eko (Lagos Island) who reigned from 1704 to 1749

There was a short mention of Oba Akinsemoying further up. Here's some more information which includes reporting on an annual event that is held in Lagos to commemorate his reign, honor his lineage and celebrate his descendants.

http://www.waleajayisblog.com/2016/03/2016-oba-akionsemoyin-day-celebration_70.html



http://dailytimes.com.ng/oba-akinsemoyin-day-a-celebration-of-royal-rights-and-rites/

Oba Akinsemoyin reigned for 45 years, (1704-1749) succeeded by eight children. Apart from the first two children, Fuji and Pinishin (from his first wife, Sonate) both of who incurred the displeasure of their father, Oba Akinsemoyin later had other children from oth­er wives who now constitute the eight branches of the Akinsemo­yin Royal Family of Lagos. They include Ambose, Sadeko, Abisako, Gbosebi, Amore, Jolasun,Adeailu andArogba.

Kilode1:
One of my worthy "Ancestors"

[size=14pt]Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi  (1888-1914) [/size]


Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi was on the throne during the British invasion of Benin City in 1897. To prepare the grounds before the invasion, the British first sneaked military spies into Benin, to infiltrate the nation´s security system during the Igue festival, a period of acute spiritual sensitivity for Edo people, when their monarch goes into seclusion for two weeks for spiritual cleansing and cannot receive visitors. The spies were eliminated for their hostile acts.

See more at Osahon's site : http://naiwuosahon/apps/blog/show/4760229-oba-ovonramen-1888-1914-ce-

I can't post everything at this time. . .

Katsumoto:
It was spelt Lisabi but pronounced Lishabi

His death is traceable to that often common human trait - Jealousy. After the routing of the Oyo army, Lisabi was carried high by the Egba people. The Alake was told by two chiefs, Lukosi and Jagunna, that Lisabi was going to use his popularity to oust the Alake. So a trap was set for him in the forest.

Although Lisabi liberated the Egba from Oyo, it was Sodeke who led them to Abeokuta in 1830.

Where are my knights?

Oh, wait! Katsumoto is a samurai of the Bushido variation.

Omoluabi both. Long live. Ire!

Kilode1:


I always resent that too, Like West Africans cannot be validated until they have a connection to Egypt or something

I've revisited this and think there's a strong possibility Oduduwa the Ile-Ife king did in fact come from the Middle East. I'm keeping my mind open for more knowledge about it. Oodua a gbe wa o.

That was from the A. B Ellis book right? actually you are right, one should wonder about the discrepancy, since he got his description from the supposedly dark skinned Yorubas and maybe the Ewes.

Or maybe the Spiritual/Divine Oduduwa deity is different from the physical mortal one.

Or maybe the desription was lost in translation , maybe they mean't deep one, or shiny one, or bright one, or wise one and not black one.

Yes, from A.B. Ellis book on the sacredtext website. I previously posted a portion of it - dealing with Oduduwa and Yoruba religious beliefs and Orisas - on another NL thread.

Katsumoto:


My guess is that one of the wives was barren and she proceeded, using witchcraft, to ensure that the other wives did not bare children before her. Since it was only the concubine that had the child, she probably did not know about the concubine. This is plausible because the priests might have revealed to the Ogiso that someone was responsible for him remaining childless and devised a plan for him to 'meet' his concubine in secret. Why would a king have four wives without any of them been able to have kids? The first wife was probably barren and then he would have married the second and she too would have been barren, and then the third with the same result, and then the fourth.

I don't believe that the one wife out of four was able to get pregnant while the others couldn't. It only points to the possibility the pregnancy was from a non-sterile man, unlike the king. Tales about a suspiciously barren wife bewitching all the other wives is not plausible outside of superstition and scapegoating of an innocent victim. That theory always seemed full of holes.