Jovago:


To everyone, a palace is a place dwelt by Royal Kings and their family, there are countless number of Palace around the world and Nigeria but it’s not every day one comes across a palace that has a unique and spectacular story. Walking down the ever busy upper king’s street at Lagos Island is another history written down in form of a building which dates back to the 15th century. It is the Oba of Lagos Palace “Iga Idunganran”- the official residence of Oba of Lagos. Iga is derived from the Oyo/Ife Yoruba language, Gaa means royal home, Idun means land or place in English Language and Ganran is the Yoruba translation of pepper. All the words combined together forms Iga Idunganran “Palace built on pepper”.

The land where the palace is built was originally owned by Chief Aromire, an Ile Ife (a town in Osun State) indigene , he was the first inhabitant of Lagos Island . Aromire once used the palace land as a farm where he cultivated pepper. This explains the origin of the name, Iga Idunganran – Palace built on pepper.

The ancient palace was built by Oba Gaboro in 1670, the Portuguese contributed to the construction of the Palace as most of the materials were brought in from Portugal. Later during the reign of Oba Adeniji Adele II, the palace was modernized. Recently under the reign of the current king, Oba Akiolu, the palace was re-modernized.

Significant cultural events that have taken place at the palace includes the famous Eyo Festival also known as the Adamu Orisha play.The festival is often held whenever an occasion arises or tradition demands. It is part of the final burial rites of highly regarded chief in the king’s court and to also escort the soul of a departed Lagos King. During the festival, tourists from all part of the World gather together to have fun, from large speakers around the palace comes all kind and genres of music. On both sides of the street leading to the palace are traders selling their wares and large number of people patronizing them. It’s an experience to remember.



At the exit gate of the palace is the shrine of esu (pronounced as eshu) commonly referred to as devil among people of the Christian faith. In the past, the deity was consulted each time the Oba is going out, he goes there to enquire about his journey, the outcome of such outings and pray to wade off all evil on his way. At this shrine, Oba and his chiefs also pray to wade off all dangers from Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

Exterior to the palace is the ogun shrine; ogun is also referred to as the God of Thunder. The shrine is manned by a priestess who is responsible for its daily activities. Prayers are held every 16 days within the palace by the traditional priests and priestesses with items such as kola nut, alligator pepper, chicken, schnapp and other items as dictated by the Ifa priest.

Obas are known as the custodians of culture and tradition – there is no better place to find out about the cultural history of the people of Lagos than at the palace.