Lagos: From Colony to Cosmopolitan State

In the 19th century, Lagos was a bustling hub of trade and commerce, thanks to its strategic location on the coast of West Africa. The Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to arrive, dubbed it Lagos, after a coastal city in Portugal. The area was initially inhabited by the Yoruba people, who called it Eko. Lagos was a magnet for traders from far and wide, with its coastal location making it a prime spot for exchanging goods.

Fast forward to the 1850s, and Lagos was a hotbed of political and social tension. The British, who were keen to stamp out the transatlantic slave trade, bombarded Lagos in 1851 and forced the then-king, Oba Kosoko, to flee. This paved the way for Oba Akitoye, a rival of Kosoko, to take the throne. Lagos was formally annexed by the British in 1861, and it was declared a colony in 1862.

Under British rule, Lagos experienced significant development. By the 1870s, it had transformed into a cosmopolitan trading center, with a population of over 60,000. The colony and protectorate of Lagos was incorporated into Southern Nigeria in February 1906, and Lagos became the capital of the protectorate of Nigeria in January 1914. This was a pivotal moment in the city’s history, as it marked the beginning of its journey to becoming the political and economic powerhouse of Nigeria.

Lagos continued to grow and evolve, and by the 1920s, it was a modern city with a thriving economy and diverse population. The city’s cosmopolitan nature was further enhanced by the influx of returnee ex-slaves, known as Creoles, from Freetown, Sierra Leone. These individuals brought with them a wealth of knowledge and skills, which contributed to the city’s development.

In 1960, Nigeria gained independence from Britain, and Lagos remained the capital of the newly independent nation. However, in 1991, the capital was relocated to Abuja, and Lagos lost its status as the country’s political center. Despite this, Lagos has continued to grow and develop, and it is now one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Africa.

Today, Lagos is a true cosmopolitan state, where people from different tribes and backgrounds come together to create a vibrant and diverse community. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people, who have overcome centuries of political and social upheaval to create a city that is admired and respected around the world.