The Oba of Benin, Oba N’Edo Uku Apolokpolo, Eheneden Erediauwa, Ewuare II, asserted during a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos on Sunday that historical records clearly document the role of the Binis in founding the nucleus of Lagos.
Despite the controversial nature of the topic regarding the original founders of Lagos, the monarch pointed out that historical records substantiate the claim that the Binis played a significant role in establishing certain parts of Lagos.
In addition to discussing the historical aspect, Oba Ewuare II expressed his belief that the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu was divinely ordained. Congratulating the governor, he stated, “We want to repeat again our congratulations to Mr. President. We are happy that it is all over now. It has gone to the end of the road. Whatever controversy or objections cannot go beyond that. God has ordained that President Tinubu be the president.”
While being cautious not to be drawn into controversies between Benin and Lagos, the monarch touched upon the historical connection, asserting, “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 it: it is history that Benin founded Lagos. Go and check the records. Maybe not all over Lagos as we know it now, but certain areas in Lagos, perhaps the nucleus of Lagos, were founded by my ancestors. The Oba of Lagos will say so. Everybody knows. The source of Lagos is Benin, whether the Ooni of Ife likes it or not. Maybe Ife had a contribution to expanding Lagos, but the origin of Lagos is Benin.”
