₦airaland Forum

Good work by Mbadiwe and all the other non Yoruba people that made and help make Lagos the vibrant place it is knowing fully well that it is in a Yoruba state and forever will be.

Shame on Obidients who don't understand that Ndi Yoruba cannot go back to Osun or wherever simply because Lagos state was carved out of their Western Region under their very feet.

The consequences of a lack of comportment by Obidients is now laid bare for all to see in Street renaming and all other unfortunate ways in which Ndi Yoruba are asserting their rightful ownership of Lagos which, by the way, is their right and they are doing nothing wrong in doing so.

aswani:
Good work by Mbadiwe and all the other non Yoruba people that made and help make Lagos the vibrant place it is knowing fully well that it is in a Yoruba state and forever will be.

Shame on Obidients who don't understand that Ndi Yoruba cannot go back to Osun or wherever simply because Lagos state was carved out of their Western Region under their very feet.

The consequences of a lack of comportment by Obidients is now laid bare for all to see in Street renaming and all other unfortunate ways in which Ndi Yoruba are asserting their rightful ownership of Lagos which, by the way, is their right and they are doing nothing wrong in doing so.

Mbadiwe fought against the redevelopment of Surulere
It was sir Kofo Abayomi that made sure he failed in all his attempts to to stop the Surulere
regeneration project


Mbadiwe had big big scandal around his neck

If not for Tribalism he should have been the number one target of the coup plotters
for corruption


Mbadiwe that moved a motion in 1952 for Lagos to be removed from the western region

Christistruth03:
Mbadiwe fought against the redevelopment of Surulere
It was sir Kofo Abayomi that made sure he failed in all his attempts to to stop the Surulere
regeneration project


Mbadiwe had big big scandal around his neck

If not for Tribalism he should have been the number one target of the coup plotters
for corruption

I can't say I am au fait with national politics around that time sha.

However, as federal minister for works, Surulere would have been under his jurisdiction so any massive capital overhaul in that area, same as for Yaba, would have had to have been approved by him.

That he chopulated as a result is neither here nor there, it's the visible changes that should have been, and still be, applauded.

Have you got a link to support your thesis about Mbadiwe blocking the project and Kofo Abayomi having to come to the rescue?

Not saying you are wrong, I personally would like to know about how Yaba and Surulere had such a decent sanitation system, a system that has now been overwhelmed and is no longer fit for purpose.

aswani:
I can't say I am au fait with national politics around that time sha.

However, as federal minister for works, Surulere would have been under his jurisdiction so any massive capital overhaul in that area, same as for Yaba, would have had to have been approved by him.

That he chopulated as a result is neither here nor there, it's the visible changes that should have been, and still be, applauded.

Have you got a link to support your thesis about Mbadiwe blocking the project and Kofo Abayomi having to come to the rescue?

Not saying you are wrong, I personally would like to know about how Yaba and Surulere had such a decent sanitation system, a system that has now been overwhelmed and is no longer fit for purpose.

Surulere was developed by the Lagos Executive Development Board of which Kofo Abayomi was the Chairman

Mbadiwe did all he could but failed to stop that redevelopment of surulere, Kofo Abayomi
successfully fought Mbadiwe off


In 1955 nobody was expecting Lagos to Balloon beyond a population of 20million
That is the population of many countries

Imagine posting facebook as valid link
Same facebook lpob use in spreading your propaganda.

Racoon:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ga9McB7rS/

my take on Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, a prominent Nigerian nationalist and politician whose legacy resonates widely—even beyond the South Western Region.

Why Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe Stands Out

Even though Mbadiwe hailed from the Eastern Region, his influence and impact were profoundly national—making him one of the most consequential politicians in Nigeria’s history.

1. Champion of National Unity and Alliances

• Mbadiwe was instrumental in forging critical political alliances. In 1954, he helped navigate the NCNC–NPC alliance, a pivotal move that shaped Nigeria’s path toward independence.

• He opposed the merger of Lagos with the Western Region in 1952, recognizing the need for Lagos to be independent due to its status as the federal capital.

2. Urban Development Visionary

• As Federal Minister of Lands, he spearheaded early slum clearance efforts in Surulere, Lagos—transforming dense slum areas into planned housing estates and laying the foundation for modern urban living.

• Although technicians like Kofo Abayomi handled execution, Mbadiwe’s political determination was the driving force behind these critical housing reforms.

3. Architect of Economic Institutions

• Mbadiwe was the first legislator to advocate for the establishment of the Central Bank of Nigeria—a key institution in shaping the country’s monetary policy.

• As Minister of Commerce and Industry (1957–1958), and later Minister of Trade (1965–1966), he promoted industrial development and championed what he called “philanthropic capitalism.” This approach balanced investment with communal welfare and sought to foster indigenous entrepreneurship.

4. Pan-Africanist and Diplomat

• Educated at Columbia University and NYU, Mbadiwe established and led African student networks and was personally received by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt—a sign of his stature and charisma.

• During the Biafran War, he served as a Roving Ambassador, lending his voice and diplomacy to the secessionist cause—but remained committed to reconciliation after the conflict.

5. A Voice for Equity and Constitutional Balance

• He pushed for zoning principles in Nigerian politics, famously coining the phrase “zoning to unzone.” His influence helped insert a clause in the 1979 constitution requiring a presidential candidate to secure 25% of votes in at least two-thirds of states—an effort to ensure broad-based representation.

6. Trusted Elder Statesman

• Even after his active political tenure, Mbadiwe continued to advise during the Second Republic (1979–1983), bringing experience and a unifying perspective to governance.



Forged alliances; advocated stand-alone status for Lagos.
Urban Development
Championed Surulere slum clearance and planned housing.Economic Policy
Established the Central Bank;
promoted equitable capitalism and entrepreneurship.
Diplomacy & Unity
Led pan-African student associations; served in Biafran diplomacy.

Constitutional Progress
Advocated zoning principles for fair political representation.StatesmanshipContinued advising the nation during the post-war era.

While Mbadiwe wasn’t from the South Western Region, his legacy—whether through urban development in Lagos, the founding of economic institutions, or constitutional fairness—left a lasting imprint on the region. His initiatives transcended regional boundaries and speak to a vision that aimed to build a united, prosperous Nigeria.

esnbrutality:
So na IGBO man follow develop the same LAGOS claimed by people based in Oshogbo and Ibadan?

Chai.. propaganda can only go far to an extent.

This is really newsworthy.

surprised that he couldn’t achieve the same feat in Enugu?

He did and in IMO State Sef.... Military came in and the rest is history. As you need Lagos like oxygen, support BIAFRA so that they leave you in Peace.

At least they don't want to share a country with you...

Try and have guts to do the same...

Unity begging is petty

Burob:
surprised that he couldn’t achieve the same feat in Enugu?

Sheuns:
Lagos was never part of the western region. Lagos was the capital of British Nigeria.

Lagos was limited to Victoria Island, some parts of Lagos mainland and some parts of Surulere.

The rest of today’s Lagos were called western region before and shortly after independence.

Lagos was always part of Yorubaland
In 1952 Mbadiwe moved a failed motion to have Lagos removed from the Western Region

esnbrutality:
He did and in IMO State Sef.... Military came in and the rest is history. As you need Lagos like oxygen, support BIAFRA so that they leave you in Peace.

At least they don't want to share a country with you...

Try and have guts to do the same...

Unity begging is petty

You don't want to share a country with Yorubas but your life is never complete until you move to Yoruba land

History being rewritten as usual!

I know those who bought houses in Surulere (Adeniran Ogunsanya, Shitta, Ogunlana, Masha axis) in the 60s including an Uncle of mine. The houses were built by LEDB and sold on mortgage.

This is the expanded and historically grounded narrative of Surulere and Idi-Araba in the 1940s–1950s, featuring real-life contributions—no imagined characters this time. I've incorporated the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Aguda (Brazilian returnees), Ijaw, and Benin people, all based on verified historical sources.


1. Yoruba: Indigenous Foundation

The Yoruba, particularly the Awori of Lagos Mainland, were original landowners in areas like Itire and Surulere. Their landholdings allowed newcomers to settle and form “strangers’ quarters,” shaping the demographic evolution of the area .

Influential Yoruba market leaders like Chief Alimotu Pelewura, who led the Lagos Market Women’s Association from the 1920s to 1951, fought colonial taxation and preserved market rights—impacting traders across Lagos, including those in Mushin and nearby Surulere markets .

Now the impact of the igbo... History is sacrosanct

2. Igbo: Migrant Builders & Traders

While specific individuals from the 1940s lack detailed documentation, Igbo migrants were prominently involved in Lagos’s civil service, commerce, and skilled trades. Many were based in Idi-Araba, Mushin, and areas adjacent to Surulere, working in building, clerical, and commercial roles .

Also we can't forget the hausa

3. Hausa: Northern Traders and Community Leaders

The Hausa in Agege traced roots to the mid-19th century; notably, Malam Muhammadu Mai Biri served as the first Sarkin Hausawa of Agege (1863–1910), overseeing tax collection and organizing the Hausa community .

His successors continued developing infrastructure—under Halliru Mai Ruwa (1923–1934), the British colonial administration built a railway shed in Agege, facilitating kolanut transport; under Muhammed Abass Shuaibu (Sarkin 1948–1997), the community secured a passenger train stop at Agege .

Hausa settlers also introduced kola-nut plantations in the Agege area after learning from the Ghanaian trade, leading to the name “Agege” (from Age-igi, meaning “tree cutters”) being established .


Then we have the Aguda region in surulere


4. Aguda/Brazilian Returnees: Architects & Artisans

The Agudas—Brazilian returnees to Lagos—settled prominently in areas including Surulere by the 19th and early 20th centuries .

They contributed significantly to Lagos’s architecture, introducing stuccoed facades, two- and three-story houses, and European-style layouts. A directory from 1897 noted 96 skilled Aguda artisans: including bricklayers, carpenters, tailors, clerks, and traders, who reshaped Lagos’s built environment .

Their architectural legacy extended to public buildings such as the Holy Cross Cathedral and Shitta-Bey Mosque, marking them as cultural and construction pioneers .

5. Ijaw: Fish Traders and Riverine Connectors

While detailed archival records of Ijaw roles in the 1940s Mainland Lagos are limited, historically the Ijaw—specialists in fishing and river trade—supplied smoked fish to Lagos markets, including areas like Mushin and Idi-Araba, closely connected to Surulere.

They played key roles in coastal commerce through canoe-based transport and served as intermediaries in trade systems feeding into Lagos’s mainland – consistent with their broader maritime tradition .


6. Benin People: Artisans and Traders

Although documentation of Benin (Edo) individuals in 1940s Lagos is scarce, the Benin people were historically recognized for bronze casting, wood carving, and bead arts.

Many Edo craftsmen traded in Lagos markets—offering coral beads, ivory carvings, and cultural artifacts. They also facilitated trade between Lagos and Benin City, including palm produce and traditional crafts. While specific names are undocumented here, these roles were well established across the period.



The Man K.O.M


7. K. O. Mbadiwe and the Surulere Housing Estate

Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, an Igbo politician and Federal Minister of Lands (1954), initiated the slum clearance and rehousing project in Surulere—the Surulere Housing Estate, one of Nigeria’s earliest public housing schemes .

He transformed mixed ethnic slums—including families of Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Aguda, Ijaw, and Benin descent—into planned modern housing with improved sanitation, infrastructure, and community layout.



Surulere just like Lagos State is a Multicultural Contributions led by K.O.M

Ethnic Group Key Contributions

Yoruba (Awori) Landowners, market leadership (e.g., Chief Alimotu Pelewura)
Igbo Migrants Civil service roles, trade, artisanal labor in Mainland Lagos
Hausa Traders Northern–southern trade hubs, community organization in Agege
Aguda (Brazilian Returnees) Architectural innovations, skilled trades, urban design
Ijaw Fish supply to Lagos markets, maritime trade integration
Benin (Edo) Artisanal crafts, cultural trade, artistic heritage
K. O. Mbadiwe's Political Role Institutionalizing mixed-ethnic urban planning via Surulere Estate



Surulere's transformation in the mid-20th century was the result of interwoven efforts by diverse ethnic communities:

The Yoruba provided the land and cultural foundation.

The Igbo aided in urban labor, trade, and administration.

The Hausa structured trade and representation.

The Agudas shaped Lagos's architectural identity.

The Ijaw maintained food supply chains from the coast.

The Benin people enriched Lagos’s artistic and cultural marketplace.

Mbadiwe unified these contributions into a cohesive modern housing project that became Surulere’s hallmark.



History and truth must be told everyday for the sake of posterity....

🟤 1. The Saro (Sierra Leone Yoruba returnees)

The term Saro comes from “Sierra Leone.” These were Yoruba and other ethnic people captured during the slave trade, freed by the British Royal Navy, settled in Freetown, and later returned (from the 1830s onward) to Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, and other Yoruba towns.

They were mostly Christian, English-speaking, and western-educated, and became Nigeria’s first elite class of doctors, lawyers, clergy, journalists, and merchants.

✨ Notable Saro Names & Families

Ajayi Crowther family →

Samuel Ajayi Crowther: From Osogun (Oyo), captured, freed, later became first African Anglican bishop.

His descendants include Dandeson Crowther (clergyman) and links to the Macaulay family.


Macaulay family →

Thomas Babington Macaulay: Clergyman, educator, founder of CMS Grammar School Lagos (1859).

Herbert Macaulay: Grandson of Crowther, engineer, surveyor, and father of Nigerian nationalism.


Ajasa family →

Sir Kitoye Ajasa: First Nigerian knighted by the British Crown; prominent lawyer.


Adeniyi-Jones family →

Dr. Curtis Adeniyi-Jones: Medical doctor, politician, nationalist in Lagos.


Shitta-Bey family →

Mohammed Shitta-Bey: Wealthy Muslim merchant and philanthropist; funded the Shitta-Bey Mosque in Lagos (1894).


Randle family →

Dr. John Randle: Western-trained medical doctor and philanthropist.


Savage family →

Oba Sir Adeyemo Savage: Merchant prince, important Lagos aristocrat.


Johnson family →

Rev. James Johnson: Freetown-born Yoruba clergyman, fiery preacher, nationalist.

Henry Johnson & Nathaniel Johnson: Clergymen, part of a whole dynasty of Anglican ministers.


Williams family →

Dr. Sapara Williams: First Nigerian to qualify as a lawyer (called to the bar in 1879).


Cole family →

Another large Saro family, with clerics and merchants.


Coker family →

Produced businessmen and clergy (e.g., Archdeacon E. M. Coker).


Bright family →

Produced prominent Sierra Leone and Lagos elites.



👉 These names (Macaulay, Crowther, Johnson, Williams, Savage, Shitta-Bey, Randle, Coker) still resonate in modern Lagos high society.


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🟤 2. The Aguda / Amaro (Brazilian & Cuban Yoruba returnees)

These were Yoruba and other Africans enslaved in Brazil and Cuba (many in Bahia, Brazil). After emancipation and especially following the 1835 Malê Slave Revolt in Bahia, many chose to return home.

They were known as Aguda (from “Ajuda” = Portuguese for “help”) or Amaro, and they settled mostly in Popo Aguda (Brazilian Quarter), Lagos Island.

They brought Catholicism, Portuguese/Spanish names, architecture, and artisan skills (masonry, carpentry, tailoring, etc.), and transformed Lagos’ cultural landscape.

✨ Notable Aguda Names & Families

Da Rocha family →

Candido Esan Da Rocha: Legendary wealthy Lagos businessman; developed Lagos’ first piped water system.


Da Silva family →

Prominent Catholic family with roots in Bahia; patrons of the Catholic Church in Lagos.


Soares family →

Large returnee family, integrated into Lagos commerce.


Pereira family →

Influential in the Catholic community and landownership.


Martinez family →

Traders and landowners of Brazilian descent.


Assumpção → Alakija family →

Originally Assumpção, the family adopted a Yoruba name “Alakija.”

Sir Adeyemo Alakija: Prominent lawyer, nationalist, and one of the most powerful Lagos elites of the 20th century.


Salvador family →

Ramos Salvador & Maria Salvador: Among the first to build Brazilian-style houses in Lagos.


Ramos das Neves family →

Saliu Salvador Ramos das Neves: Muslim Aguda, proof that not all Aguda were Catholic.


Cardoso family →

Prominent Lagos merchants with returnee heritage.


Gomes family →

Catholic elite family of Brazilian returnees.


Fernandes family →

Business and artisan family of Aguda heritage.



👉 The Aguda surnames are mostly Portuguese/Spanish (Da Rocha, Da Silva, Pereira, Soares, Martinez, Cardoso, Gomes, Fernandes), unlike the English Saro names.


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🟤 3. The Tabom (Afro-Brazilian Yoruba in Ghana)

A parallel story: some Yoruba-Brazilian returnees settled in Accra, Ghana (1830s onwards). They became known as the Tabom people, remembered for greeting locals with “Tá bom?” (“All good?” in Portuguese).

Common Tabom Names

de Souza

Cardoso

Silva

Nelson


They also introduced Brazilian-style architecture and crafts to Ghana, much like the Aguda did in Lagos.


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🟤 Summary of Differences

Saro names (Sierra Leone) → English-style (Crowther, Macaulay, Johnson, Williams, Randle, Savage, Shitta-Bey, Coker, Cole).

Aguda names (Brazil/Cuba) → Portuguese/Spanish-style (Da Rocha, Da Silva, Pereira, Soares, Martinez, Alakija, Salvador, Cardoso, Gomes, Fernandes).

Tabom names (Ghana) → Portuguese as well (de Souza, Silva, Cardoso, Nelson).



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