Encomium
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the land with a rich and colourful history dating back many centuries.
The earliest records have it that Lagos had Awori settlers, led by a descendant of Oduduwa, Oloye Olofin, who made what is known today as Iddo and Lagos Island area home.
The Binis who were well loved by the Aworis produced the first king, Oba Ado, after being permitted to interact and settle in Lagos following a misunderstanding that was resolved. The Binis referred to the area as ‘Eko’ which means war camp. But it could also mean oko, farm in Yoruba.
In 1472, a Portuguese explorer, Ruy de Sequira referred to the area as Lago de Curamo (which translates to Lakes of Kuramo).
Lagos, which simply means Lake in Portuguese, has always been a source of fascination.
Let us fast forward to August 6, 1861 Lagos Treaty of Cession when Britain formally annexed it and turned Lagos into a British colony. The remainder of Nigeria was seized in 1886.
Lagos was the capital of Nigeria since 1914 (when the Southern and Northern Protectorates were merged) until 1991, when the FCT Abuja officially assumed the role.
Created on May 27, 1967, Lagos State parades its 13th governor and 4th elected governor in Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).
Showcasing the most billionaires in Africa, it is the home of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr., Mr. Obafoluke Otudeko, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Mr. Femi Otedola, Mr. Tony Elumelu and many more.
Here are pictures of Lagos in its old, glorious majesty – wondrous pictures of the former capital of Nigeria…
