A recent controversy has arisen among Lagosians over the ownership of Lagos State, and journalist Rufai Oseni has weighed in with a historical perspective.
Oseni pointed out that Lagos was a British colony for 99 years, from 1861 to 1960, until it was ceded to a Lagos monarch. He further clarified that most of the initial development in Lagos was carried out by the British.
In a tweet on March 15, Oseni shared a photo of the treaty cessation document between the then British government and Oba Dosunmu, which reinforced his point. Despite assertions that Lagos is no man's land or a Yoruba land, Oseni refused to acknowledge any such positions.
According to Oseni, until 1960, most Lagosians were British subjects, and upon Nigeria's independence, many opted to join the Nigeria Federation, although they could have retained British passports if they so chose.
The controversy about Lagos's ownership arose due to the Labour Party gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, whose mother is Igbo. Some people argued that this fact should disqualify him from running for office in Lagos. Additionally, following the just-concluded presidential election in which Peter Obi won Lagos State against former Governor Bola Tinubu, there have been renewed arguments about the state's ownership.
Oseni's historical perspective reminds Lagosians that the land has a complex history, and it is crucial to understand it fully before making any claims about ownership. Lagos's status as a former British colony means that it has been influenced by British culture and development, but it is also an integral part of Nigeria and home to a diverse group of people.
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