By Hakeem Layeni

The motives of this writer have been fulfilled. There is no doubt in mind that the traditional institutions will continue to be sacred since there is some secrecy that pervades their environment and the way and manner in which they are supposed to carry themselves. Eletu-Odibo is a major actor when it comes to traditional politics of Lagos.

This role was first played by the first Eletu-Odibo, Chief Akiwon, in 1690. Ever since 1690, Eletu Odibo has become a major actor in the traditional politics of Lagos.

Eletu Odibo of Lagos is the traditional nobleman who has historically served as the principal kingmaker to the Oba of Lagos and also as head of Akarigbere class of chiefs. Eletu Odibo also serves as the prime minister of the Oba. This role made Eletu Odibo very popular amongst other Lagos Chiefs. Without the approval of Eletu Odibo, no Lagos Oba can claim the throne of Lagos.

However, this powerful position bestowed on Eletu Odibo led to a lot of traditional politics between the Lagos Princes and Eletu Odibo.

However, in the years gone by, the Eletu-Odibo has discharged his duties or responsibilities without interference from governments. In present-day Lagos, the Eletu Odibo has no real power or authority to make any Oba except the power conferred on him by government of the day.

There are a lot of case studies, Oba Dosunmu was appointed by the British government. Aside from the British government, the government of Lagos appointed Oba Akiolu as the 20th Oba of Lagos. This act led to the extinction of Ifa Oracle because Lagos Oba is now being appointed based on politics.

The Eletu Odibo has been denied most of her traditional rites towards electing or making a Lagos Oba. Most traditional chiefs in Lagos are now ceremonial rather than traditional. The cause of this is that the government are now responsible for the salaries of all traditional chiefs. The governor and Baba Isale now decide who becomes Lagos king.

In a nutshell, Eletu-Odibo holds a very important position in the traditional politics of Lagos. The Eletu Odibo is second to Oba of Lagos in the Akarigbere class of chiefs. Even there is a popular slogan amongst Lagosians, which is ETU Osi, Oba Oje. This means that if there is no Eletu Odibo, there is no Oba. This made the role of Eletu Odibo an important one for the throne of Lagos.