A step into Isale Eko transcends far beyond a welcome into a community; it is a face-to-face encounter with history. The town serves as the host and preservation of both cultural and traditional heritage of the people. The palace of the Oba of Lagos is located in the sprawling Iga Idunganran Street, bringing Lagos royalty into the consciousness of visitors and showing the history of the state.

The street where the palace is located is surrounded by the Igas, who belong to respective titleholders, painting the picture of a royal setting not found in any other part of the state. While urban dwellers may appreciate the beauty and aesthetics in the cities of Lagos, Isale-Eko, despite its closeness to a thriving business environment, promotes culture. Africa on the right side of history as China’s re-unification ramps up Starvation as weapon: Unmasking hidden cruelty of the Sudan conflict The community, which is sandwiched within Ebute Ero and Idumota, is very close to the lagoon, which has been a source of livelihood for indigenes, who are predominantly fishermen and women – while the male go fishing, the women engage in selling the fishes.

It is said that Isale Eko does not sleep, as residents engage in entertainment and social life, almost non-stop, in addition to trade. History of Isale Eko According to history, Isale Eko got its name as a result of its location in the area called Eko (later called Lagos). Its origin dates back to the 15th century when migrants settled in the area.

Chief Owolabi Egundola Jinadu, the Abore Olokun (priest of the sea), described Isale Eko as a community blessed with two different water bodies: sea and river, saying the presence of both water bodies strengthens its uniqueness. Chronicling the history of Lagos, he said the Alade-Iganran Oloriaye (Ibinu aro kun tayo) and the Idejo – descendants of Olofin, known as the landowners – are believed to be the two owners of Lagos. He said that Oba Ado, a migrant from Benin, was the first king to reign in Lagos.

“He came from the Alade clan and settled at Isale Eko with other migrants, namely, Olorogun idodo, Olorogun atebo, Olorogun ide, Olorogun agbeje, Eletu Odibo, Eletu Iwase. Before the migrants settled here, we had some Akarigbere – Eletu omo, Eletu awo, Eletu ika, Eletu ijebu, Ogboni Iguntafa onilegbale,” he said. Highlighting the royal hierarchy he said, “The chain of royal hierarchy starts from the Oba of Lagos, then the Akarigbere, who are referred to as first class traditional rulers.

Next in line are the Idejo, referred to as Olofin – the Aworis and Oga Alade in charge of appeasing and offering prayers to the deities. Then there is the Abagbon, who are referred to as warlords.” He added that the Idejo – descendants of Olofin – are believed to have come from Ile-Ife. “We have the Idejo, who are referred to as landowners.

They used to be white cap chiefs, but because of expansion in the state, the Oba elevated a lot of them to become kings in their respective lands. Among their descendants are Olumegbon, who is the eldest, Aromire, Onitolo, Onisiwo, Elegushi, Oniru, Oloto and Onikoyi. “Descendants of Oga alade include Obanikoro, Oloye Opeluwa, Oloye Onimole, Oloye Onisemo.

They are priests. Descendants of Abagbon who migrated with Oba Ado from Benin include Asogbon, Bajulaiye, So enu shashi, Oloye Igbe, Oloye Jakande. The ancestral clans in Isale Eko are Iga Idugaran, Iga Aromire, Iga Olumegbon, Iga Eletu- Odibo, Ogunmade, Elepin, Olodoro,” he said.

How the royal stool was established in Lagos The Abore gave an account of the royal family ties, saying, “Oba Ado gave birth to Gabaro, Akinsemoyin and Erelu Kuti. When he went to join his ancestor, he was succeeded by Gabaro. After the demise of Gabaro, Akinsemoyin took over the throne.

When Oba Akinsemoyin passed on, Erelu Kuti, who was a female, served as regent. Later, her son, Ologun Kutere was installed as Oba while his brother was made the Ogboni Iguntafa. They were both installed in a day.

Descendants of this lineage are the heirs to the throne. The current Oba of Lagos, Ridwan Akiolu, is from the clan of Ologun Kutere.” Saying that Isale Eko does not joke with culture, he explained that the Eyo festival, which is the most prominent among other festivals, is usually organised to honour late prominent indigenes of the community. “We have cultural and traditional duties.

Isale Eko does not organise Egun festival; Eyo is our traditional festival organised to pay tributes and recognise the impact of those who contributed to the growth of the state. Examples of such prominent individuals are Justice Coker, Holloway, T.O.S Benson, Elediye, Lateef Jakande, Abibatu Tinubu, Mobolaji Johnson and Otedola. Eyo is a special festival, so it is not an annual event,” he said.

On the order of Eyo festival and its impact he said, “There is Eyo Oosa, who is the ruler. They are saddled with the responsibility to perform traditional rite for the deceased. Eyo adimu, Eyo ogunran, Eyo laba, Eyo