The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has refuted the assertion made by the Balogun of Eko, Abisoye Oshodi, that the Binis built Lagos.
The monarch stated, “It is in the history books that the Binis founded Lagos,” while visiting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday while in Lagos State. What is the Oba saying again? Some people will go crazy when they hear it. However, that is accurate. Proceed to review the documents. My forefathers may not have founded all of Lagos as it exists today, but they may have founded some parts of it—possibly even the centre. So will the Oba of Lagos say.
In response to the monarch’s remark, Oshodi stated in a video posted online on Tuesday that it was untrue.
“With all due respect, Sir, may you live a long life,” he remarked to Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
“Correction point Sir, the Binis did not found Lagos. That you mentioned certain areas of Lagos rather than the entire city pleases me. You are correct; before Lagos was built, your family lived on a little island known as Eko. They never created it on this very island.
The Island existed back then before your ancestors arrived. There were other tribes on the island before Lagos was founded, but your ancestors only arrived and forcibly enforced a levy system on passage with the traders on the land called Idu Ighoran—I’m not sure what it means in Benin. even before to Eko’s founding.
“Many tribes lived on Lagos, or the modern-day Lagos, prior to the establishment of Lagos State. These tribes include the Awori, Isheri, and Olofin.”
