Ibikunle Akitoye

Oba Ibikunle Alfred Akitoye[1] (1871–1928) was Oba of Lagos from 1925 to 1928 during what some historians refer to as the "Interregnum" years of the exiled Oba Eshugbayi Eleko. Ibikunle Akitoye was the first western educated and Christian Oba of Lagos. Akitoye's reign also marked the association of Lagos Obas with non-traditional religions.

Oba Ibikunle Akitoye
Oba of Lagos
Oba of Lagos
Reign1925-1928
Coronation1925
PredecessorEshugbayi Eleko
SuccessorSanusi Olusi
BornIbikunle Akitoye
1871
Lagos, Nigeria
Died1928
Lagos
ReligionChristianity
Ibikunle Akitoye
Alma materCMS Grammar School, Lagos

Early years and career

Ibikunle Alfred Akitoye, grandson of Oba Akitoye, was born in Lagos in 1871 and was educated at CMS Grammar School. He apprenticed as a book keeper with a German firm and thereafter worked as an Assistant Railway Service Paymaster. Following his time with the Railway Service, he entered private business as a cotton goods and textiles agent.[1] Another source states that he started as a clerk with a firm of British merchants in Lagos.[2]

Christian faith and ascendancy to the Obaship of Lagos

Ibikunle Akitoye was President of the United Native Africa Church (UNA).[3] Ibikunle Akitoye was elected Oba of Lagos by members of the Lagos Ruling House on 26 June 1925, following the deposition of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko via an order to vacate Iga Idunganran by the same members of the Lagos Ruling House on 10 June 1925.[4] Akitoye's election was recognized by the British colonial government on 6 August and was received at the colonial government house on 9 August 1925.[4] The deposed Eshugbayi Eleko was deported to Oyo on 8 August 1925, in accordance with the Deposed Chiefs Removal Ordinance.[5]

Later years and death

After Eshugbayi's forced exile to Oyo, there was agitation for his return led by his senior chiefs, Chief Abudu Bamgbobu, the Eletu Odibo of Lagos, and Chief Amodu Tijani, the Oluwa of Lagos.[6] Protests were organised and led by Herbert Macaulay to vehemently attack the Colonial Government's deposition of Oba Eshugbayi.[7] Ibikunle Akitoye was spurned by the people who attacked him in 1926.[8]

In June 1928, the Privy Council decided that the deposed Eshugbayi Eleko could apply for a writ of Habeas Corpus, a decision which put Akitoye's Obaship in a precarious situation. Oged Macaulay (Herbert Macaulay's son) noted that when Ibikunle Akitoye learned about the Privy Council decision, he went to Herbert Macaulay's Kirsten Hall residence to view the cablegram from London. Upon viewing the cablegram, Akitoye is said to have gone home, started drinking, and loaded his revolver.[9] The next day Oba Ibikunle Akitoye was dead and the government ruled out foul play. Sanusi Olusi was installed as Oba of Lagos following Ibikunle Akitoye's death.

References
  1. Allister Macmillan. The Red Book of West Africa: Historical and Descriptive, Commercial and Industrial Facts, Figures & Resources. Spectrum Books, 1993. p. 113. ISBN 9789782461735. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  2. Fasinro, Hassan Babatunde. Political and cultural perspectives of Lagos. University of Michigan. pp. 113–114. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  3. Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press. pp. 259 Note 128. ISBN 0521204399.
  4. Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press. pp. 134. ISBN 0521204399.
  5. Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press. pp. 146. ISBN 0521204399.
  6. Hassan Adisa Babatunde Fasinro. Political and cultural perspectives of Lagos. s.n., 2004. p. 242. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  7. Kunle Lawal. Urban transition in Africa: aspects of urbanization and change in Lagos. Pumark Nigeria, 1994. p. 59. ISBN 9789782049209.
  8. Mokwugo Okoye. Storms on the Niger: A Story of Nigeria's Struggle. Eastern Nigeria Print. Corporation. p. 79. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  9. Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press. pp. 262 note 18. ISBN 0521204399.


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