Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
-As FG, Lagos commend King Kosoko Memorial Lecture initiative
The aim of the King Kosoko Royal Family and Oloja of Lagos Chieftaincy to preserve the legacies of the former legendary Oba of Lagos, Oba Morohunfolu Kosoko, has received a boost as scholars and eminent Lagosians gathered to examine his impacts.
The event was the 2nd edition of the King Kosoko Memorial Lecture held at the Glover Memorial Hall, Custom Street, Lagos, on Sunday. It was themed, “Lagos Economy in the Era of King Kosoko: A Talent of Prosperity and the Decline”.
The lecture was part of the 163rd anniversary of the historic return of Oba Kosoko to Lagos after his sojourn in Epe, following the British bombardment of 1851.
Some of the eminent personalities in attendance were the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade – John, Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Mrs Toke Benson Awoyinfa, Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumde, Hon. Wale Raji, Member, House of Representatves, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, HRM Oba Shefiu Oatunji Adewale, the Olu of Epe Kingdom, HRM Oba Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; a Prince of Lagos and chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, His Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Hon. (Chief) Oyinlomo Danmole and Hon. Tunde Balogun, former APC State Chairman among others.
Aside the paper presentations, the memorial lecture also featured the launching of a book titled, ‘King Kosoko,: His Life, His people, and His Settlement’, written by the Oloja – elect of Lagos, Prince Abiola Kosoko.
Meanwhile, Prince Kosoko, in his address at the event, said that the lecture series are aimed at examining the reign of the late Oba of Lagos and use lessons thereof for the present and future.
“We are gathered today to pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of King Kosoko, a visionary leader who shaped the economic landscape of Lagos. This lecture series aim to explore the highs and lows of his era, and offer valuable insights into the city’s rich history.
“Your participation and support means the world to us. Let us come together to celebrate King Kosoko’s enduring impact on Lagos, and explore the lessons of his era as a guide to the future.
“It is under the directives of the Council of the heads of the King Kosoko Royal family, that I make this opening presentation with a strong reference as a special representative of the descendants of King Kosoko, the 10th King of Lagos and the 1st Oloja of Lagos, as follows”, he said.
Alhaja (Chief) Mutiat Ashabi Abimbola Alli -Balogun, Head Of Kosoko Royal Family, in her remarks, said that her progenitor played a significant roles in making Lagos what it is today.
“This significant occassion, powered by the King Kosoko Memorial museum, honours the enduring legacy of a remarkable leader who shaped the destiny of Lagos, and also prepared the ground for stewardship as the head of the family.
“We celebrate his contributions to our rich cultural heritage and the progress of our great city”, she said.
Mrs Lola Ade – John, the Honorable Minister for Tourism, commended the Oloja – elect and entire Kosoko family, for coming up with initiatives to preserve the memories of late Oba Kosoko.
“Today, we honour the enduring legacy of King Kosoko. As we celebrate ‘The Return 1862 Annual Event’, I am filled with pride and gratitude.
“To His Royal Highness Abiola Kosoko, Oloja of Lagos Elect, I offer my deepest thanks. Your commitment to preserving our heritage is remarkable.
“This event is more than a commemoration. It is a reminder of our resilience, unity, and unbreakable spirit.
“King Kosoko’s return in 1862 was not a mere historical moment; it was a declaration that Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, would always rise.
“Today, we are custodians of history”, she said.
While stating that Lagos and the country as a whole have enormous tourism potentials which are untapped, the Minister called for the maximization of the sector for the limitless opportunities that are inherent in it to be explored.
“Lagos, rich in culture and history, leads this growth. Initiatives like this serve as beacons that can attract even more to our shores.
“The possibilities are endless if we fully tap into the potential of our assets (over 1,000) and festivals (over 800).
“As we leave today, let King Kosoko’s spirit—his courage, vision, love for his people, inspire us.
“I hope it will drive our passion to make Nigeria a global cultural destination”, she said.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Lagos State, Mrs Joke Benson Awoyinka, described the book on the former Oba and the celebration of his return to Lagos, as momentous and significant occasion.
“It is with great pride and a deep sense of history that I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the King Kosoko Royal Family, on the unveiling of the book, ‘King Kosoko: His life, His people and Settlement: The Hidden Facts’, authored by the distinguished Oloja -elect of Lagos, Prince Abiola Kosoko.
“This book is a monumental contribution to the rich and storied history of Lagos, offering new insights into the life and times of one of our most revered monarchs, Oba Kosoko.
“The 163rd anniversary of Oba kosoko‘s return to Lagos, is a momentous occasion, not only for the Kosoko Royal Family, but for all of us who cherish the cultural heritage and history of Lagos.
“Oba Kosoko was a figure of immense influence, a leader whose vision and tenacity helped shape the economic and social landscape of Lagos during a pivotal era.
“His return to Lagos with Lieutenants marked a turning point in the history of this city, symbolising resilience, strategic acumen and a commitment to the prosperity of his people”, she said.
She pledged the support of the Lagos State Government to initiatives that are geared towards the preservation of cultural heritage such as the ‘The Return’.
“As the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and also a descendant of the illustrious family, I am committed to supporting initiatives that celebrate and preserve our rich cultural heritage.
“This event is a shining example of how we can come together to honour our past, while building a future that reflects the values and aspirations of all Lagosians.
“May this celebration of Oba Kosoko‘s life and legacy inspire us all to continue working towards a Lagos that is vibrant, inclusive and prosperous. May we draw strength from the resilience of our ancestors as we navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow”, she said.
(Dr) Erelu Abiola Dosumu, the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos and Yeye Oodua of the Source, in her royal remarks, charged Lagosians to tell more about great legacies left by their ancestors in order to preserve their memories.
She eulogized late Oba Kosoko as a great king that shaped history of Lagos, with his bravery.
“We have such a beautiful heritage and legacies that were left for us by our ancestors, but we don’t tell our stories often enough.
“We should have many more of this. We must tell our stories because we have beautiful stories to tell. Our ancestors bequeathed amazing legacies to us.
“Whenever I have the opportunity, I always say that Lagos is the crucible in which Nigeria was built. You can see that we have been there hundreds of years ago. So, we should be proud that our ancestors laid the foundation for the prosperity of this great country.
“Just follow the trajectory of the Obas of Lagos who were in existence before the foreigners started coming in. They started trading with the Portuguese and our fathers were making waves.
“We have heard about the exploits of King Kosoko who was not a coward; he wasn’t timid; he was confident; he was a Prince; he was a King; and an achiever and he left wonderful legacies”, she said.
In his own royal message, HRM Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, described the celebration of late Oba Kosoko’s legacies as a day of lessons.
He charged eminent personalities, scholars and others in attendance, to learn from Oba Kosoko’s leadership, courage and his politics, and use it in rebuilding the state and the country.
Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and Chairman, Council Of Fulani Chiefs in South-West, His Highness Alhaji (Dr) Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, described the celebration as remarkable initiative, and also charged that peole should learn from the late Oba’s attributes which brought progress to his people.
“Today, we gather to honour the remarkable legacy of King Kosoko, a figure whose contributions to our history and culture continue to resonate with us. His leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to his people serve as an enduring inspiration.
“As we reflect on King Kosoko’s life, let us celebrate not only his achievements but also the values he embodied — courage, resilience and a deep love for his community. His dedication to the importance of unity and progress in our own endeavours”, he said.
The Sarkin Fulani of Lagos recalled the long – standing relationship with Lagos which, according to him, started from the era of King Kosoko and which is still being sustained till date.
“We, the Fulanis, have had a long relationship with success of Lagos since 1833 under the rulership of King Kosoko, as he provided a settlement for the Fulanis in his palace after his return from Epe .
“Till date, the Fulanis settlement in Lagos has continued to enjoy the same support of their host community. We thank the Lagos people, under the rulership of the government of Lagos and our Royal Highness, Oba of Lagos, (Oba Riliwan Akinolu) Olowo Eko.
“We thank you again. May this memorial lecture serve as a platform for dialogue, learning and inspiration, encouraging us to carry forward King Kosoko’s legacy in our action and aspirations. Let us show excellence in our respective fields and foster a spirit of collaboration and understanding, thank you”, he said.
Prince Tajudeen Olusi, a Prince of Lagos and chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prof. David Aworawo, Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Adewunmi J. Falode, Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Sanni Habeeb Abiodun, Lagos State University, Member of Isale-Eko Descendent Forum, Ms. Sasanya Folashade, a legal practitioner and Usman Umar (Sabo), a retired civil servant and farmer, did justice to the theme by presenting papers from different perspectives.
