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Oba Falolu Dosunmu: The Lagos Monarch Who Strengthened the Obaship in Colonial Nigeria

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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.

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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.

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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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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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12 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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