A visionary leader who blended tradition with reform during Lagos’s colonial transition

Do you know that Lagos once had a monarch who redefined traditional leadership during the colonial era?

That ruler was Oba Falolu Dosunmu, the 10th Oba of Lagos, who reigned from 1932 to 1949. His time on the throne marked a pivotal period in the evolution of Lagos — a period when the British colonial system was deeply entrenched, yet traditional authority still played a crucial role in shaping the identity and governance of the people.

Background and Family Heritage

Oba Falolu Dosunmu came from one of the most prominent royal families in Lagos. He was a descendant of Oba Dosunmu (Docemo), the ruler who signed the Treaty of Cession in 1861, formally handing Lagos to the British Crown. This royal lineage connected Falolu directly to the Dosunmu dynasty, one of the key branches of the Lagos royal house.

Born in Lagos Island in the late 19th century, Falolu grew up at a time when British colonial influence was rapidly transforming Yoruba society. Yet, the prestige of the Obaship remained a cornerstone of local identity and governance. His early life immersed him in both indigenous Yoruba traditions and the British administrative order, giving him the dual insight that later defined his rule.

Education and Early Life

Unlike some of his predecessors, Oba Falolu received a measure of Western education, a rare privilege for traditional princes in the early colonial period. This exposure to British-style education enabled him to communicate effectively with colonial administrators while maintaining his deep understanding of Yoruba customs.

Before ascending the throne, Falolu worked in public and administrative capacities that exposed him to governance and community organisation. This experience became invaluable during his reign, especially as Lagos evolved from a traditional settlement into a rapidly urbanising colonial capital.

Accession to the Throne

Falolu Dosunmu ascended the throne in 1932, succeeding Oba Eshugbayi Eleko, whose reign had been marked by intense conflict with the British colonial government. The colonial authorities initially viewed the Obaship as a symbolic office, but Falolu set out to prove otherwise.

His reign restored stability and dignity to the throne after years of political turbulence. Unlike his predecessor, Falolu adopted a diplomatic approach — working with both his chiefs and colonial administrators to preserve the relevance of traditional authority in a changing society.

Reforms and Achievements

Oba Falolu Dosunmu was known as a reform-minded monarch who understood the importance of record-keeping, administration, and cultural preservation. Among his key contributions were:

1. Establishment of Official Obaship Archives:
Falolu initiated the documentation of native laws, customs, and administrative meetings between the Oba, his chiefs, and the colonial government. These records became part of the earliest organised archives for a traditional institution in Nigeria.

2. Strengthening of the Obaship Institution:
He introduced reforms that enhanced the autonomy and influence of the Oba’s court, ensuring that the traditional council (the Iga Idunganran) continued to play a vital role in decision-making.

3. Promotion of Cultural Identity:
During his reign, Falolu encouraged the preservation of Yoruba traditions in Lagos. He supported community festivals and indigenous art, ensuring that colonial modernisation did not erase cultural heritage.

4. Administrative Cooperation:
Despite colonial constraints, Falolu maintained a delicate balance between the traditional ruling structure and the British administrative system, earning him respect from both colonial officers and his subjects.

Legacy and Impact

Oba Falolu Dosunmu’s reign, which lasted 17 years (1932–1949), is remembered as a period of institutional consolidation for the Lagos monarchy. His efforts ensured that the Obaship remained relevant in the face of British colonial expansion and urbanisation.

He is often credited with laying the groundwork for future monarchs, including Oba Adeniji Adele and Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who continued his mission of blending tradition with modern governance.

Today, Falolu is honoured as one of the most historically significant Obas of Lagos — a monarch who understood the importance of adaptation without surrendering cultural sovereignty. The archives he established remain a vital resource for historians studying the evolution of governance in colonial Lagos.

Death and Succession

Oba Falolu Dosunmu passed away in 1949, marking the end of a distinguished reign. He was succeeded by Oba Adeniji Adele II, who continued his policy of modernising the monarchy while maintaining Lagos’s Yoruba identity.

Oba Falolu Dosunmu was more than just a monarch; he was a reformer, cultural custodian, and statesman who bridged the gap between tradition and colonial modernity. His reign stands as a testament to how indigenous leadership adapted to survive within the frameworks of foreign rule — preserving the dignity of the Yoruba crown in Lagos even under British oversight.

References

1. National Archives of Nigeria – Lagos Colonial Administration Records (1932–1949).

2. Kristin Mann, Slavery and the Birth of an African City: Lagos, 1760–1900 (Indiana University Press, 2007).

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Ken Okolugbo, Communication and Strategy Consultant to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained why some people from the Anioma area of Delta State do not identify as Igbo despite their ethnic and linguistic similarities.

Speaking during an interview on African Independent Television, AIT, Okolugbo said the reluctance of many Anioma people to associate with the South-East stems from the lingering stigma attached to the Biafra war.

He said: “My full name is Ekenechukwu Chikwunonazu Okolugbo, that is pure Igbo. But some of my people will say, no, we are not Igbo because they don’t want to be with the South-East, because of the stigma the region has always had in terms of the Biafra war. So they will tell you, no, I don’t want to be identified with the South-East.”

Okolugbo, who served as a consultant to the Senate President during the recent state creation deliberations, commended the 10th National Assembly for addressing the imbalance in state distribution across the country.

He noted that while the South-West, South-South, North-Central, and North-East each have six states, and the North-West has seven, the South-East remains with only five — a situation he described as inequitable.

“I give it to the 10th National Assembly for realizing that this imbalance has to be taken care of. It is not just about agitation for states, it is about fairness,” he said.

According to him, the proposal to create new states, including Anioma, Orashi, Adada, Etiti, and others, was part of efforts to promote inclusivity and reduce agitations in the South-East.

He added that granting the South-East a sixth state would help douse regional tension and send a strong message of equity and reconciliation.

“One of the reasons we have unrest in the South-East has been marginalization. If a new state is created, it will give the people a sense of belonging and help address some of the grievances fueling the Monday sit-at-home,” he said.

Okolugbo described Anioma State as the most viable among the seven proposed new states, though he acknowledged that other regions also have legitimate claims.

“It’s one and a half years into the life of this administration. I don’t think so many states can be created. But if even one is created, it will be a win-win situation for the Tinubu administration,” he added.

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Early Life & Education

Bello was born on 18 June 1975 in Okene (in what is now Kogi State), Nigeria.

He is from the Ebira ethnic group and was the youngest of six children.

For schooling:

Primary education: at LGEA Primary School, Agassa, Okene LGA starting circa 1984.

Secondary education: attended Agassa Community Secondary School, Anyava, Agassa-Okene; later completed SSCE at Government Secondary School, Suleja, Niger State (1994).

Tertiary education:

He studied Accountancy at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, graduating in 1999.

He holds an MBA (from the same institution, around 2002/2004).

He became a chartered fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2004.

Political Career

Bello is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He became Governor of Kogi State on 27 January 2016, succeeding Idris Wada.

He won a second term in the November 2019 gubernatorial election.

His tenure ended on 27 January 2024, when he handed over to Usman Ododo.

During his time in office, he was noted as being the youngest governor in Nigeria.

Major Achievements & Initiatives

Education

Under his administration, the Kogi State Government developed the State Education Strategic Plan (SESP) 2021-2030 and an operational plan (SESOP) 2021-2027.

The state allocated 30 % of its budget to education in a fiscal year (from 2021), exceeding UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26 %.

The administration recruited nearly 3,979 teachers in February 2023 from a large applicant pool.

Other efforts included training school managers, improving infrastructure, curriculum delivery improvements.

Health & Social Interventions

He launched the “Bello Health Intervention” programme: supplied consumables and essential medical equipment, expanded solar-powered cold rooms for vaccine storage.

Undertook renovation/construction of zonal hospitals in Kabba, Idah, Okene; a cottage hospital in Kpakere; upgraded the College of Nursing & Midwifery in Obangede.

His government distributed over 2.5 million free LLIN (long-lasting insecticidal nets) in collaboration with USAID and PMI.

Security & Governance

Bello’s tenure was touted for improved security within Kogi State, leading to awards such as “Torch bearer of Security” from the Nigerian Union of Journalists and “Icon on Security” from the Association of Nigerians in Diaspora.

Reports say he commissioned a Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard and Navy Barracks, as part of upgrading security presence.

Inclusion & Youth Engagement

His administration reportedly exceeded the 35 % affirmative action threshold for gender equity and youth inclusiveness in government appointments.

Commended by the Kogi State Government on his 50th birthday for bringing youth and women into governance and giving them “a seat at the table”.

Controversies & Legal Issues

In April 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello wanted in connection with alleged money-laundering of ₦80.246 billion.

He was subsequently arraigned on 19-count charges including conspiracy, money-laundering, and criminal breach of trust.

On 25 September 2024, fresh charges were filed against him involving ₦110.4 billion and allegations of property acquisitions in Abuja and Dubai using state funds.

On 20 August 2024 the Court of Appeal ordered him to present himself for arraignment.

Asset seizure orders have been upheld, including foreign properties.

His residential property in Abuja was subject to an EFCC raid in April 2024.

Legacy & Public Perception

On 30 January 2024, upon leaving office, he returned to Okene to a large, jubilant crowd who celebrated his eight-year tenure.

Supporters highlight his youthfulness, proactive governance, and infrastructural investments. For instance, in a tribute for his 50th birthday the Kogi Government described him as a “generational leader” and “symbol of courage”.

Critics point to the corruption allegations, questioning the sustainability of his achievements and the integrity of his administration.

On the political front, his early ascendancy (in his 40s) is seen as a signal to younger Nigerian politicians — emphasizing youth inclusion and fast-tracked leadership roles.

Personal Life & Other Notes

He is sometimes referred to by the nickname “White Lion”.

Bello reportedly enjoys sports and fitness, especially boxing.

On his birthday (18 June 2025) he turned 50; the state and his party released tributes acknowledging his service.

Summary

Yahaya Bello is a prominent Nigerian politician whose rise to become the youngest governor in Nigeria underscored a generational shift. During his eight-year tenure in Kogi State he pursued major reforms in education, health, security, and inclusion. However, his legacy is clouded by significant corruption allegations and legal battles. His impact on Kogi is still debated: while many praise the infrastructure and systems he put in place, the allegations against him raise questions about accountability and governance.

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