TLDR;
This lecture addresses the controversy surrounding the origins of Lagos, specifically the claim that it was founded by the B. It refutes this claim by presenting historical evidence that the AI, a subgroup of the EUR, were the original settlers of Lagos long before the arrival of the B in the 16th century. The lecture also discusses the geostrategic and geopolitical importance of Lagos, its commercial development, and the influence of various groups, including the Portuguese and the British, on its history.
- The AI, a subgroup of the EUR, were the original settlers of Lagos.
- The B influence in Lagos began in the 16th century, not earlier.
- Lagos's commercial importance grew significantly after the arrival of the Europeans, attracting traders from various regions.
Introduction: The Question of Indigen in Lagos [0:01]
The lecture begins by addressing the ongoing debate about who the original inhabitants of Lagos are, particularly in light of recent claims that the B founded the city. The lecturer emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of Lagos to clarify the roles of both the indigen (omoo) and the residents (aro). The recent assertion by the OB of B that the B founded Lagos has sparked controversy, making it crucial to examine the historical facts and put them into proper perspective.
The AI as the Original Settlers [3:34]
The lecture asserts that Lagos was founded not by the B, but by the AI people, a subgroup of the EUR. The AI settled in the coastal forests and islands of the Lagos area in ancient times, long before the 16th century. The EUR nation comprises many subgroups differentiated by dialects of their common EUR language. The AI migrated from to settle in Lagos around the 11th century. The lecturer refutes the claim that the B founded Lagos, stating it is based on a misunderstanding of the historical anthropology of the region.
The Kingdom-Creating Revolution and AI Settlements [10:33]
A significant revolution in EUR land, starting in the 9th century AD and continuing until the 16th century, led to the creation of unified kingdoms and towns. This revolution transformed small settlements into organized kingdoms. In the AI subgroup's territory, this resulted in the establishment of AI kingdoms in various locations, including Ido and Lagos Island. The AI people dispersed, with some settling at Iseri, then moving to Ido, and eventually establishing settlements in areas now known as Lagos.
B Influence and the Rise of Lagos as a Commercial Center [17:06]
The arrival of Europeans in the 15th century and the expansion of trade along the West African coast attracted traders to ports like Lagos. The vibrant trade in European goods enhanced the wealth of Yubba kingdoms, including Lagos. By the 1580s, Lagos had become the greatest commercial center on the West African coast, surpassing the trade of the B Kingdom. This commercial growth attracted indigenous traders from various regions, including the B, who sought to participate in the flourishing trade.
B Intervention and the Distortion of History [22:16]
The rulers of the B Kingdom attempted to control the flourishing trade in Lagos, leading to intervention in the region. A succession dispute between princes of the AI Kingdom of Lagos provided an opportunity for the B to support one of the princes, aiming to turn Lagos into a vassal state. This intervention led to a distortion of history, with some traditions claiming that the OB of Lagos was a descendant of the OB of B.
Lagos After B Influence and British Colonization [29:47]
After the era of B influence, Lagos continued to develop, with significant transformations occurring, such as the abolition of the slave trade and the return of liberated slaves from the Americas. The arrival of Christian missionaries also influenced the development of Lagos. The British, who later colonized Lagos, could not claim to have founded the city, as they met established communities upon their arrival. Lagos continued to prosper, surpassing the B Kingdom in greatness.
Conclusion: The AI as the True Founders of Lagos [33:05]
In summary, the lecture reaffirms that the AI, a subgroup of the EUR nation, were the earliest settlers of Lagos Island and its neighboring forests, long before the arrival of the Europeans and the B in the 16th century. The claim that the B founded Lagos is a misconception born out of ignorance of the historical anthropology of Lagos.
