Ibikunle Akitoye
| Oba Ibikunle Akintoye | |
|---|---|
| Oba of Lagos | |
| Oba of Lagos | |
| Reign | 1925-1928 |
| Coronation | 1925 |
| Predecessor | Eshugbayi Eleko |
| Successor | Sanusi Olusi |
| Born |
Ibikunle Akintoye 1871 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Died |
1928 Lagos |
| Religion | Christianity |
Oba Ibikunle Akitoye (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.
Early years and career
Ibikunle 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]
Christian faith and ascendancy to the Obaship of Lagos
Ibikunle Akitoye was President of the United Native Africa Church (UNA).[2] Ibikunle Akitoye was elected Oba of Lagos by members of the Lagos Ruling House on June 26, 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 June 10, 1925.[3] Akitoye's election was recognized by the British colonial government on August 6 and was received at the colonial government house on August 9, 1925.[3] The deposed Eshugbayi Eleko was deported to Oyo on August 8, 1925 in accordance with the Deposed Chiefs Removal Ordinance.[4]
Later years
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 Macaulay's residence (Kirsten Hall) to view the cablegram from London. Upon viewing the cablegram, Akitoye is said to have gone home, started drinking, and loaded his revolver.[5] The next day Oba Ibikunle Akitoye was dead and the government ruled out foul play. Sanusi Olusi was installed Oba of Lagos following Ibikunle Akitoye's death.
References
- ↑ Fasinro, Hassan Babatunde. Political and cultural perspectives of Lagos. University of Michigan. pp. 113–114.
- ↑ Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press,. pp. 259 Note 128. ISBN 0521204399.
- 1 2 Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press. p. 134. ISBN 0521204399.
- ↑ Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press. p. 146. ISBN 0521204399.
- ↑ Cole, Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. Cambridge University Press. pp. 262 note 18. ISBN 0521204399.