The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has revealed that Benin founded Lagos in the past.
He made this claim during his visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Monday.
The Oba said that he did not want to mention something that would drag him into the controversy between Benin and Lagos, but he could not help but say that it was in the history books that the state founded Lagos.
He said that some people would question his statement, but he said it was true and asked them to check out the records.
He pointed out that the Oba of Lagos would say so, and that he was sure that everyone knew that he always emphasized that he came from Benin.
The King added that everyone knew that the source of Lagos was founded by his ancestors, whether the Oni of Ife liked it or not.
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“I don’t want to mention something that will now drag me into the controversy of Benin and Lagos. But I cannot help but say that at least it is in the history books that Benin founded Lagos. But when some people will hear it now, they’ll go on and say, ah, what is the Oba saying there again? But it is true. Go and check out the records.
Maybe not all over Lagos as we know it now, but certain areas in Lagos, maybe the nucleus of Lagos was founded by my ancestors. The Oba of Lagos will say so. I’m sure you know that it will always emphasize that it comes from Benin. Everybody knows. But the source of Lagos is Benin, whether Oni of Ife likes it or not,” he said.
The Oba’s statement has sparked reactions from different quarters, as some have supported his claim while others have disputed it.
Some have cited historical evidence to back up their arguments, while others have appealed to cultural and political sentiments.
The history of Lagos is complex and contested, as different ethnic groups have laid claim to its origin and development.
The role of Benin in the history of Lagos is also controversial, as some have argued that the state had a direct influence on the establishment and governance of Lagos, while others have maintained that the state only had a symbolic or ceremonial relationship with Lagos.