Ayodele Olalere
Professors and historians on Thursday unravelled the historical records of Lagos and laid to rest the argument surrounding the ownership of the state ,dismissing the popular notion that Lagos is a no man’s land.
The event was a Community Symposium organised by Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau LASRAB, themed ‘Lagos: Bridging Knowledge and Unveiling History’ held in Lagos.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abimbola Sailu-Hundeyin, said Lagos is a melting point of culture that attracts people from all over Nigeria.
The governor noted that it is important ‘to remember to preserve cultural heritage that makes the state unique.’
Governor Sanwo-Olu lamented distortion of facts about the history of Lagos and called for restoration of history education in public schools.
“It is important to preserve the history of Lagos for future generations. It should inspire us to aspire for greater Lagos. There is a challenge of documentation of our history by our forefathers and distortion of facts. We must approach the history of Lagos with truth and objective. We must make history accessible to younger generations. We need innovative ways to teach history,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu promised his administration’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Lagos.
The Director-General, Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau, LASRAB, Toyin Ogunlana said there is a need to restore the history of Lagos.
She also advocated for the return of history in secondary schools. The DG further said the programme was put in place to lay to rest controversy over ownership of Lagos for proper documentation to be kept in the agency’s archives.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso also said it was high time history was reintroduced into the school curriculum.
He noted that Lagos, though the smallest state in Nigeria, has historical background, adding that the real history of Lagos has been distorted.
Omotoso further said the symposium was to enrich the people’s perspective on the origin of Lagos.
“Any nation that forgets it’s past will lose focus. I support the reintroduction of history in our schools. It will lay to rest those distorting facts and serve as a vehicle for unity, harmony and inclusion,” he said.
The Head of Service, HoS, Olabode Agoro, in his contribution said knowing the authentic history of Lagos will arouse the mind of Lagosians and ‘protect our heritage to be bequeathed on generations
unborn.’
“It is important to know the history of our beginning. Being aware of our history will serve as a benchmark for future planning. It will create cultural awareness and help to teach valuable lessons which will assist in avoiding past mistakes.”
Professor Rasheed Olaniyi from the Lagos State University, LASU, while also speaking on the need to bring back the history of Lagos said it’s sad that authentic history of Lagos has been buried over the years.
“Unraveling the history of Lagos can contribute to Lagos’ future as a megacity. Lagos is one of the ancient Yoruba Kingdoms and older than most Yoruba towns. This symposium is to create reminders that go beyond colonial reports. It will also strengthen collaboration between academic research and community,” he said.
Tracing the history of Lagos, the former Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun dismissed the popular notion that ‘Lagos is a no man’s land.’
He said the last generation election during which ethnicity played a key role on ownerships of Lagos necessitated the need to set the record straight.
“LASRAB ‘s determination to set the record straight about the history of Lagos is commendable. LASRAB has noticed the social political attention that arose during the last general election. Lagos has ethnic diversity. The debate on who founded and owned Lagos has been ongoing over the years,” Fagbohun said.
Fagbohun traced the history of owners of Lagos to the Awori clan through one Chief Olofin Ogunire which he said is evident in the highest number of communities in Lagos populated by the Aworis.
He added that though history indicated that the Binis, in collaboration with Europeans, invaded and conquered Lagos, it does not make the Bini people owners of Lagos. Through resilience, Fagbohun said Lagos was taken back by its original owners.
He advocated for recognition of indigenous owners of Lagos in the sharing of national resources as stated in the constitution which gives priority to indigenous people of any community.
Fagbohun also said non-indigenes living in Lagos must ‘recognise and respect indigenous people of Lagos’ and work to live in harmony.
” We must cohabit together. We must foster an atmosphere of harmony,” Fagbohun urged.
Forner Attorney-General of Lagos State, Olasupo Sasore in his paper said the existence of Lagos dated beyond 1699 as claimed in some books,, adding recent archeological discovery revealed that salt was produced in Badagry as back as 800 AD.
Other stakeholders in a panel discussion also shared historical records which favours the Aworis as the real owners of Lagos.