Ibikunle Akitoye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ibikunle Akitoye |
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| Oba of Lagos | |
| Reign | 1925-1928 |
| Coronation | 1925 |
| Predecessor | Eshugbayi Eleko |
| Successor | Sanusi Olusi |
| Born | Ibikunle Akitoye 1871 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Died | 1928 Lagos |
| Religion | Christianity |
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Ibikunle Akitoye
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| Alma mater | CMS Grammar School, Lagos |
Ibikunle Alfred Akitoye (1871–1928) was an important leader known as the Oba of Lagos. He ruled from 1925 to 1928. Oba Akitoye was special because he was the first Oba of Lagos to have a Western education. He was also the first Christian Oba. His time as Oba showed how new ideas and religions were becoming part of the traditions in Lagos.
Early Life and Education
Ibikunle Alfred Akitoye was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1871. He was the grandson of an earlier Oba named Akitoye. Young Ibikunle went to school at CMS Grammar School. This was a well-known school in Lagos.
After school, he learned to be a bookkeeper for a German company. Later, he worked for the railway service. He was an Assistant Paymaster there. He then started his own business. He sold cotton goods and textiles. Another record says he began as a clerk for British merchants in Lagos.
Becoming the Oba of Lagos
Ibikunle Akitoye was a leader in his community. He was the President of the United Native Africa Church (UNA). In 1925, the ruling family of Lagos chose him to be the new Oba. This happened on June 26, 1925. The previous Oba, Eshugbayi Eleko, had been asked to leave his palace.
The British colonial government recognized Akitoye's election. This happened on August 6, 1925. He was officially welcomed by the government a few days later. The former Oba, Eshugbayi Eleko, was sent away from Lagos.
Challenges and Later Years
After Oba Eshugbayi Eleko left, some people wanted him to return. Important chiefs like Abudu Bamgbobu and Amodu Tijani led these efforts. Herbert Macaulay, a well-known activist, also organized protests. These protests spoke out against the colonial government's decision.
In 1926, Oba Ibikunle Akitoye faced some public anger. In June 1928, a high court in the United Kingdom made a decision. This decision meant that the former Oba, Eshugbayi Eleko, might be able to return. This news made Oba Akitoye's position difficult.
Oba Ibikunle Akitoye passed away in 1928. After his death, Sanusi Olusi became the new Oba of Lagos.
