Ibikunle Alfred Akitoye (1871–1928) was

Oba of Lagos The Oba of Lagos, also known as the Eleko of Eko, is the traditional ruler ( Oba) of Lagos. The Oba is a ceremonial Yoruba sovereign with no political power, but is sought as a counsel or sponsor by politicians who seek support from the resident ...

from 1925 to 1928 during what some historians refer to as the "Interregnum" years of the exiled Oba

Eshugbayi Eleko Oba Eshugbayi Eleko (died 1932), alias ''"Eleko of Eko"'', was the Oba of Lagos from 1901 to 1925, and from 1931 to 1932. His father was Oba Dosunmu. Eleko's struggles and legal victory over the British colonial government symbolized the struggle ...

. Ibikunle Akitoye was the first western educated and Christian Oba of Lagos. Akitoye's reign also marked the association of Lagos Obas with non-traditional religions.

Early years and career

Ibikunle Alfred Akitoye, grandson of Oba

Akitoye Akitoye (died September 2, 1853), sometimes wrongly referred to as Akintoye, reigned twice as Oba of Lagos; first, from 1841 to 1845, and a second time, from 1851 to 1853. His father was Oba Ologun Kutere and his siblings were Obas Osinlokun an ...

, was born in Lagos in 1871 and was educated at CMS Grammar School. He apprenticed as a book keeper with a German firm and thereafter worked as an Assistant Railway Service Paymaster. Following his time with the Railway Service, he entered private business as a cotton goods and textiles agent. Another source states that he started as a clerk with a firm of British merchants in Lagos.

Christian faith and ascendancy to the Obaship of Lagos

Ibikunle Akitoye was President of the United Native Africa Church (UNA). Ibikunle Akitoye was elected Oba of Lagos by members of the Lagos Ruling House on 26 June 1925, following the deposition of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko via an order to vacate

Iga Idunganran Iga Idunganran is the Official Residence of the Oba of Lagos, situated on Lagos Island. It is also a tourist attraction. History Dating back to the 15th century, the Lagos Island was originally owned by the island's first inhabitant Chief Aro ...

by the same members of the Lagos Ruling House on 10 June 1925. Akitoye's election was recognized by the British colonial government on 6 August and was received at the colonial government house on 9 August 1925. The deposed Eshugbayi Eleko was deported to Oyo on 8 August 1925, in accordance with the Deposed Chiefs Removal Ordinance.

Later years and death

After Eshugbayi's forced exile to Oyo, there was agitation for his return led by his senior chiefs, Chief Abudu Bamgbobu, the Eletu Odibo of Lagos, and Chief Amodu Tijani, the Oluwa of Lagos. Protests were organised and led by

Herbert Macaulay Olayinka Herbert Samuel Heelas Badmus Macaulay (14 November 1864 – 7 May 1946) was a Nigerian nationalist, politician, surveyor, engineer, architect, journalist, and musician and is considered by many Nigerians as the founder of Niger ...

to vehemently attack the Colonial Government's deposition of Oba Eshugbayi. Ibikunle Akitoye was spurned by the people who attacked him in 1926. In June 1928, the Privy Council decided that the deposed Eshugbayi Eleko could apply for a

writ of Habeas Corpus ''Habeas corpus'' (; from Medieval Latin, ) is a recourse in law through which a person can report an unlawful detention or imprisonment to a court and request that the court order the custodian of the person, usually a prison official, t ...

, a decision which put Akitoye's Obaship in a precarious situation. Oged Macaulay (

's son) noted that when Ibikunle Akitoye learned about the Privy Council decision, he went to Herbert Macaulay's Kirsten Hall residence to view the cablegram from London. Upon viewing the cablegram, Akitoye is said to have gone home, started drinking, and loaded his revolver. The next day Oba Ibikunle Akitoye was dead and the government ruled out foul play. Sanusi Olusi was installed as Oba of Lagos following Ibikunle Akitoye's death.

References

1871 births People from Lagos 1928 deaths Obas of Lagos Nigerian royalty CMS Grammar School, Lagos alumni Nigerian Christians 19th-century Nigerian people 20th-century Nigerian people History of Lagos Yoruba monarchs Christian monarchs People of colonial Nigeria Ologun-Kutere family {{Africa-royal-stub