Kunle ADELABU
The descendants of Oba Kosoko (1845–1851), one of the great and illustrious Obas of Lagos, on Thursday, July 19, 2018, took to major streets in Lagos Island area in Lagos, to herald the commencement of the activities marking the celebration of the life, trial and triumph of late monarch who stood against the imperialist forces during his glorious reign.
The march was organized by the Kosoko Descendants Youth Forum as part of the activities to immortalize the late Oba of Lagos.
The procession, which started at the Kosoko palace on Erelo Street, Lagos, featured a march event by the youths of the family, under the aegis of the ‘Kosoko Descendants Youth Forum’, marched through Idumota, Enu-Owa, John Street and Ereko among other major streets.
During the march,the youths paid homage at Iga Iduganran (Oba of Lagos’ palace), Olorogun Ago’s, palace, Bajulaiye’s palace, Oluwa’s palace, Olorogun’s palace,Olorogun Adodo’s palace, Onisemo’s palace and Olorogun Atebo’s palace among others.
They also took time to visit the houses of important members of the Kosoko family among who are Prince Buraimoh Kosoko and Chief Julius Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko.
The procession later terminated at the take off point (Kosoko’s palace) where the youths observed prayers.
One of the revered members of the Kosoko family, Prince Abiola Kosoko, the Alashe of Ebute-Iga in Ikorodu West Local Council development Area and the Chief Executive Officer of the Origin Zoo and Garden, explained that the youths of the family is planning to continue the immortalization of the Oba’s legacies by instituting an annual lecture in his name as a way of celebrating and documenting the life and times of the late Oba who was a pride to the entire Kosoko family.
The lecture tagged, ‘1st King Kosoko Memorial Lecture’ is themed, ‘The Travail and Triumph of King Kosoko: A Lesson In Leadership’, has been scheduled to hold at the Glover Memorial Hall located at No 4, Custom Street, off Marina, Tinubu, Lagos Island, on Saturday, July 29, 2018.
Oba Kosoko, who died in 1872, was a member of the Ologun Kutere Lagos Royal Family and his father was Oba Osinlokun.
He reigned as Oba of Lagos from 1845 to 1851.
Oba Kosoko fought the British but was defeated on December 28, 1851, in what is now known as the Bombardment of Lagos or Reduction of Lagos, or locally known as ‘Ogun Ahoyaya or Ogun Agidingbi’ (after boiling cannons).
He, however, put an end to Lagos’ allegiance to Benin.
He was exiled to Epe where he made two unsuccessful attempts to retake Lagos and eventually signed ‘The Treaty of Epe’ on September 28, 1854, with Consul Benjamin Campbell, agreeing not to make any claims to Lagos or to endanger commerce in Lagos. The treaty was a tactical success for Kosoko who got the British to recognize his state in Epe.
After Britain annexed Lagos with the Treaty of 1861, Kosoko was allowed to return to Lagos (with the title of Oloja of Ereko) with his lieutenants and was placed on a pension of £400 annually while his war general, Oshodi Tapa, settled in Epetedo.
