Aje: The Yoruba Spirit of Wealth, Prosperity, and Divine Balance

Yemi Olakitan

                            

Among the revered deities in Yoruba spirituality, Aje occupies a cherished place as the Orisha of wealth, markets, prosperity, and abundance. In a culture where commerce, craftsmanship, and communal exchange are central to daily life, Aje represents both the material and spiritual forces that allow individuals and societies to thrive.

Aje is often described as a powerful feminine energy, though her presence transcends gender. She embodies the principles that make prosperity possible, diligence, fairness, creativity, and the mystical forces that open pathways to success. Traders, artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, and even rulers seek her blessings, believing that wealth reaches its highest purpose only when aligned with responsibility and harmony.

Traditionally, Aje is honoured at marketplaces, sacred groves, and family shrines. Early in the morning, especially on market days, devotees offer prayers, water, kola nut, honey, cowries, and other symbolic gifts. These rituals are not mere transactions but acts of gratitude and alignment, acknowledging the unseen hands that guide fortune.

 

In Yoruba thought, Aje is not just about money. She represents ase, the spiritual power that draws opportunities, strengthens intuition, and nurtures ventures. Her presence teaches that wealth must circulate, just as markets depend on movement and exchange. A hoarded fortune stagnates, but shared prosperity multiplies. This philosophy shapes community life, where generosity is celebrated and success is a collective pride.

Folktales portray Aje as both compassionate and exacting. She rewards honesty and hard work but withdraws her favour when greed or injustice takes root. In this way, she becomes a moral compass, reminding people that true wealth emerges from balance ,between giving and receiving, ambition and humility, personal gain and communal wellbeing.

Today, Aje remains deeply relevant. Entrepreneurs invoke her guidance when launching new ventures. Families pray for abundance and stability. Artists and creatives seek inspiration from her flowing energy. Across the diaspora, she is honoured in various forms, symbolising resilience, enterprise, and the eternal connection between the spiritual and material worlds.

To embrace Aje is to recognise prosperity as a sacred force, one that demands respect, intention, and a heart open to both effort and blessing. She reminds her followers that wealth is not a destination but a living current, sustained by wisdom, integrity, and the invisible grace that shapes every journey.

Why Nigeria Needs Community-Based Anti-Terror Squads Now!

 

Tinubu

Yemi Olakitan

 

For too long, the narrative of terrorism in Nigeria has been one of distant threats,     centralized responses, and communities left vulnerable in the agonizing gap between a distress call and military arrival. Our gallant armed forces are stretched thin, fighting a hydra-headed enemy across vast terrains. It is time for a paradigm shift. It is time to weave a security fabric so tight that terrorists have no room to operate. The solution lies in the creation of a federally and state-funded, military-trained.

 

Community-Based Anti-Terror Response Squad (CBARS).

The current model, while brave, is reactive. We need a proactive, pervasive system that places the power of security directly into the hands of the people, backed by the training and firepower of the state.

The Intelligence Chasm: Winning the War of Information

Terrorism do not emerge from vacuums; they live and plan within and among communities. They rely on the fear and silence of the populace. A centralized security apparatus often struggles to penetrate this wall of silence due to distance, distrust, and cultural barriers.

A CBARS unit, composed of vetted and trusted members of the community, shatters this dynamic. These individuals know the landscape, the families, and the subtle changes that signal danger, a new face asking suspicious questions, unusual movements at odd hours, or a sudden change in local dynamics. They become the eyes and ears on the ground, providing real-time, actionable intelligence to the military. This transforms the fight from a game of catch-up to one of pre-emption, dismantling terror cells before they can strike.

The Golden Minutes: The Need for Rapid Response

In a terror attack, every second is a lifetime. The delay between an attack in a remote village in Niger State or a market in Borno and the arrival of army reinforcements can be the difference between a contained incident and a mass casualty event.

A CBARS unit, stationed within its Local Government Area and equipped with arms, communication gear, and rapid-response vehicles, can be mobilized in minutes. Their primary mission is not to engage in prolonged firefights but to provide an immediate, organized response to secure the area, protect civilians, and frustrate the attackers until the military arrives. This "first responder" capability will save countless lives and deny terrorists the time to execute their plans unchallenged.

A Unified, Nationwide Front: Equipment and Readiness

For this to work, the CBARS cannot be a poorly equipped vigilante group. It must be a standardized, professional force.

Training: The Nigerian Military will be responsible for a rigorous training regimen in counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence gathering, civil relations, and the rule of law.

Funding: A joint funding mechanism from the Federal and State Governments will ensure uniformity in equipment, salaries, and logistics, preventing the squads from becoming politicized or under-resourced.

Structure: Each of the 774 Local Government Areas would host a CBARS unit, linked to a central command at the state level, which in turn is integrated with military operations. This creates a seamless, nationwide security network.

Terror Prevention through Omnipresence

The mere existence of a vigilant, officially-sanctioned security unit in every community is a powerful deterrent. Knowing that every community is a hardened target, with trained personnel ready to raise an alarm and respond, makes the country a significantly less attractive operating ground for terrorists. This strategy shifts our posture from defense to active denial, preventing attacks before they are even conceived.

 Reclaiming Our Territory

The war on terror cannot be won by the military alone. It is a national struggle that requires a whole-of-society approach. By empowering our communities, leveraging local knowledge, and creating a rapid-response infrastructure that covers the entire nation, we can finally turn the tide.

The Community-Based Anti-Terror Response Squad is not just a security strategy; it is a statement of national resolve. It is the embodiment of the truth that the people are the ultimate guardians of their own peace. Let us equip them, train them, and integrate them into our national security architecture. It is time to build a Nigeria where no community is left waiting for help, and where terror finds no sanctuary.

Let's discuss this! Share your thoughts in the comments below on how we can advocate for this initiative.

The Place of Osanyin in Yoruba Spiritual Life: Guardian of Leaves and Hidden Cures

Among the many divinities honoured in Yoruba tradition, Osanyin stands out as the keeper of secrets tucked away in roots, leaves, and bark. He is the Orisha of herbal medicine, the patron of healers, and the spirit believed to whisper knowledge of nature’s pharmacy to those chosen to wield it.

 

Osanyin is often depicted as a one-legged, one-eyed, one-armed figure, an image that symbolises his unmatched focus and mastery. Nothing distracts him from the mysteries growing in the wild. In Yoruba cosmology, these physical features do not denote weakness; they highlight the divine intensity with which he guards the powers of the forest.

 

Herbalists, known as oníṣègùn or babaláwo, often invoke Osanyin before gathering medicinal plants. They believe every leaf has a spirit, and only the Orisha’s blessing ensures the medicine works as intended. His staff, the Opa Osanyin, decorated with birds perched at its crown, represents spiritual surveillance and the ability to perceive unseen dangers. The birds symbolise witches, forces of nature, and invisible energies that interact with human life.

His worship is rooted in respect for the environment. Devotees see the forest not as wilderness to be tamed, but as a living library. Rituals dedicated to Osanyin emphasise balance—taking only what is needed and offering prayers in return. His shrines, often placed under large trees, are reminders of the bond between humans and the earth.

Osanyin’s story also teaches about humility. Though he holds the deepest knowledge of herbs, Yoruba myths say that no single Orisha can solve every problem alone. Even Osanyin’s medicine reaches its full potential when guided by wisdom, character, and cooperation among the divinities.

In today’s world, where modern medicine and traditional healing often intersect, Osanyin’s legacy continues to thrive. From rural herbalists to urban spiritual practitioners, many still honour the Orisha whose domain is the life hidden in leaves. His place in Yoruba belief remains a testament to the enduring respect for nature, ancestral knowledge, and the unseen forces that sustain welleing.

 

Yoruba: Most Influential African Ethnic Group in the World

Yemi Olakitan

The Yoruba people are among the most influential and widely dispersed ethnic groups in Africa and the global diaspora. Known for their rich culture, sophisticated traditions, and far-reaching history, the Yoruba have shaped art, religion, and philosophy far beyond the borders of Nigeria.

With an estimated population of over 50 million, the Yoruba are often regarded as the largest ethnic group of African origin in the world, with communities spread across West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

This article explores who the Yoruba are, where they come from, and how their culture continues to shape the world today.

Origins and Homeland

The Yoruba homeland is located in Southwestern Nigeria, covering major states such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti, and extending into parts of Kogi and Kwara. Yoruba communities can also be found in Benin Republic and Togo, making them a major cultural group in West Africa.

 

According to Yoruba oral tradition, the ethnic group traces its origins to Ile-Ife, the ancient city regarded as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba civilization. It is believed that the world was created in Ile-Ife by Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people. From there, his descendants founded several kingdoms and empires, such as Oyo, Ijebu, Ife, and Ekiti, Egba and Awori, each developing distinct but related traditions.

 

Population and Global Spread

Today, Yoruba people make up one of Africa’s largest ethnic populations. Nigeria alone is home to over 40 million Yoruba, but millions more can be found across the world due to migration, trade, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Significant Yoruba-descended populations exist in:

Benin and Togo, traditional Yoruba settlements like Ketu and Sakété.

Brazil, where Yoruba religion influenced Candomblé

Cuba and the Caribbean, shaping Santería  and Lucumí practices.

Trinidad and Haiti: where Yoruba spirituality and drumming live on through Orisha worship.

The United States and United Kingdom: where Yoruba descendants are active in academia, music, and art.

 

This global presence makes the Yoruba not just an ethnic group, but a cultural powerhouse, connecting Africa with its diaspora communities.

Language and Communication

 

The Yoruba language (Èdè Yorùbá) is spoken by millions of people and serves as a major unifying factor among Yoruba communities worldwide. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family, and it has many dialects, including Oyo, Ijebu, Ekiti, Egbado, Akoko,  Awori and Egba.

Yoruba is also widely taught in universities around the world, and in Nigeria, it is one of the three major languages used in education, media, and literature.

 

Beyond its linguistic richness, Yoruba is tonal, meaning that pitch and intonation can completely change the meaning of a word. This gives the language its rhythmic, musical quality, often reflected in Yoruba poetry and songs.

 

Traditional Religion and Spirituality

Before the spread of Christianity and Islam, the Yoruba practiced a highly organized traditional religion centered on Olodumare (the Supreme Being) and hundreds of Orishas (deities or divine manifestations)

 

Some of the most revered Orishas include:

Sango – god of thunder and lightning.

Ogun– god of iron and war.

Osun – goddess of fertility, love, and the river.

Obatala– god of creation and purity.

Orunmila (Ifa)– deity of wisdom and divination.

 

Yoruba spirituality emphasizes balance, destiny (ayanmo), and moral living (iwa pele). The religion’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria,  through the African diaspora, Yoruba deities and rituals have merged with local traditions, forming religions like  Santería (Cuba), Candomblé (Brazil), and Ifá worship,  across the Americas.

Political Systems and Kingship

The Yoruba are known for their well-structured systems of governance, built around kingdoms ruled by traditional monarchs known as Obas. The Oba is both a political and spiritual leader, supported by a council of chiefs (Ijoye) and community elders.

Famous Yoruba kingdoms include:

Oyo Empire – once one of the most powerful pre-colonial empires in West Africa.

Ife Kingdom – the spiritual heart of Yoruba civilization.

Ijebu and Egba kingdoms– known for trade, wealth, and diplomacy.

 

Even today, the traditional rulers, such as the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, and Awujale of Ijebu, continue to play important cultural and social roles in modern Nigeria.

Art, Culture, and Identity

Yoruba art is deeply symbolic and spiritual, often serving as a bridge between the physical and metaphysical worlds. From the ancient bronze sculptures of Ife to modern wood carvings, beadwork, and textiles, Yoruba artistry reflects a deep understanding of beauty, divinity, and identity.

Cultural expressions like drumming, chanting, and dance are integral to Yoruba life,  used in festivals, worship, and ceremonies. The Yoruba are also known for their proverbs, poetry (ewì)and  oral storytelling, which preserve wisdom and moral values across generations.

Complete Guide to Yoruba Festivals

  Yemi Olakitan

From the sacred groves of Osogbo to the royal courtyards of Ijebu-Ode, Yoruba festivals offer a deep journey into one of Africa’s most enduring cultures. Whether you’re a traveler, researcher, or cultural enthusiast, these festivals open a window into a world where tradition, spirituality, and celebration coexist in perfect harmony.

 

The Yoruba people of Nigeria are known for their vibrant culture, deep spirituality, and colorful festivals that celebrate everything from harvests to deities, kingship, and ancestry. These festivals are not mere spectacles, they are living traditions that connect the past with the present, the spiritual with the earthly, and the people with their gods and community.

If you have ever wanted to explore Yoruba culture in its truest form, attending a festival is the best way to experience its rhythm, music, and meaning. In this guide, we’ll take you through the most important Yoruba festivals, their origins, what they symbolize, and what to expect when you attend.

 

1. Eyo Festival (Adamu Orisha Play) –Lagos

The Eyo Festival is one of the most famous Yoruba cultural events, celebrated in Lagos Island. It features masqueraders known as Eyo dressed in white flowing robes and wide-brimmed hats (Aga), carrying staffs called Opambata.

 

Originally, the festival was held to honor the passing of an Oba (king) or a high chief, but today it also celebrates Lagos’ heritage and unity. Streets come alive with music, chants, and dancing, as thousands of people gather to witness the spectacle.

When: Dates vary, but often held between February and May.

Where: Lagos Island.

Highlights:Procession of Eyo masqueraders, drumming, street parades, and traditional chants.

 

2. Osun-Osogbo Festival – Osogbo, Osun State

 

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is one of the most sacred Yoruba festivals, held in honor of Osun, the river goddess of fertility, purity, and love. Devotees, traditional worshippers, and tourists gather at the Osun Sacred Grove,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to offer prayers, songs, and sacrifices.

 

The festival reaffirms the bond between the goddess and the people of Osogbo, especially during the annual procession led by the Arugba (a virgin girl who carries sacrificial items on her head).

When: Every August.

Where: Osogbo, Osun State.

Highlights: Procession to the Osun River, cultural performances, drumming, and blessings for fertility and prosperity.

 

3. Olojo Festival – Ile-Ife, Osun State

 

The Olojo Festival is one of the oldest Yoruba festivals, celebrated in Ile-Ife, and regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people. The festival honors Ogun, the god of iron and war, and commemorates the creation of the world according to Yoruba cosmology.

During the festival, the Ooni of Ife (the traditional ruler) appears wearing the sacred Aare Crown, believed to possess spiritual powers. It’s a deeply symbolic event that attracts thousands from across Nigeria and beyond.

 

When: September or October.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Appearance of the Ooni, rituals to Ogun, drumming, and cultural displays.

 

4. Ojude Oba Festival – Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

 

The Ojude Oba Festival (meaning “The King’s Forecourt”) is a grand celebration of unity and loyalty among the Ijebu people. It is held every third day after the Islamic festival of Eid-el-Kabir.

 

Different age groups (regberegbe) parade in colorful traditional attire, accompanied by music, horse riders, and performances in front of the Awujale’s palace. The event showcases Ijebu pride and cultural heritage.

When: Two days after Eid-el-Kabir (usually around July–August).

Where: Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Highlights: Horse parades, drumming, regberegbe displays, and royal reception.

 

5. Egungun Festival – Across Yoruba Towns

The Egungun Festival honors the ancestors, who are believed to return from the spirit world to bless and guide their descendants. The festival is marked by colorful masquerades representing ancestral spirits, drumming, dancing, and communal feasts.

It’s both a spiritual and social event — a time to remember the dead and to renew family and community bonds.

When: Varies across communities.

Where: Ibadan, Oyo, Ede, and other Yoruba towns.

Highlights: Masquerade displays, drumming, and traditional dances.

 

6. Sango Festival – Oyo Town, Oyo State

 

The Sango Festival celebrates Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning. Sango was once a powerful Alaafin (king) of Oyo who later became deified.

The festival features fire displays, drumming, chants, and rituals performed by devotees dressed in red, Sango’s sacred color. It’s one of the most energetic and visually striking festivals in Yoruba land.

When: August.

Where: Oyo Town, Oyo State.

Highlights: Fire-spinning performances, rituals at the Sango shrine, and royal parades.

Red is the prefered colour of Sango

7. Ogun Festival, Across Yoruba Land

Ogun, the god of iron, war, and technology, is highly revered among the Yoruba. The Ogun Festival celebrates his strength and protection, especially among hunters, drivers, blacksmiths, and warriors.

Animals are sacrificed, palm wine is poured on iron tools, and prayers are offered for safety and prosperity.

When: Varies (often in August or September).

Where: Ire-Ekiti, Ondo, and many other towns.

Highlights: Processions, sacrifices, drumming, and feasting.

8. Edi Festival – Ile-Ife

 

The Edi Festival celebrates the defeat of Moremi Ajasoro, a legendary heroine of Ile-Ife, who sacrificed herself to save her people. The festival features dramatic reenactments of her story, traditional songs, and rituals of thanksgiving.

It’s a celebration of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism, virtues highly valued in Yoruba culture.

When: November.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Reenactment of Moremi’s legend, processions, and cultural dances.

 

9. Ifa Festival – Ile-Ife

 

The Ifa Festival honors Orunmila, the deity of wisdom, divination, and knowledge. Priests of Ifa (Babalawos) gather to perform rituals and offer prophecies for the coming year.

It’s a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal for devotees of traditional Yoruba religion.

When: June or July.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Ifa divination ceremonies, prayers, drumming, and sacrifices.

Why Yoruba Festivals Matter

Yoruba festivals are not just cultural performances, they are powerful expressions of faith, identity, and community. Each event tells a story, honors the ancestors, and keeps the traditions alive in an ever-modernizing world.

For visitors, they offer an unforgettable glimpse into Africa’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage. For the Yoruba people, they reaffirm who they are and where they come from.

 

 

Tips for Attending Yoruba Festivals

 

Dress modestly and traditionally, if possible, wearing, Adire, Ankara or Aso Oke shows respect for the culture.

Respect sacred sites; avoid taking photos in restricted areas.

Go with a local guide, who understands the rituals and language.

Be open-minded: Yoruba spirituality is symbolic and layered with meaning.

Relax and enjoy yourself

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What is Àṣẹ in Yoruba Spirituality? Meaning, Power, and Everyday Use

 Discover the meaning of Àṣẹ in Yoruba spirituality, its power in prayers, rituals, and daily life, and why it remains central to African traditional religion.

Yemi Olakitan

Discover the meaning of Àṣẹ in Yoruba spirituality — its power in prayers, rituals, and daily life, and why it remains central to African traditional religion.

If you have ever listened to Yoruba prayers or traditional chants, you have probably heard the word Àṣẹ (pronounced ah-shay). It is one of the most powerful and widely used terms in Yoruba spirituality, yet it is often misunderstood. For practitioners and learners alike, understanding Àṣẹ is key to appreciating the depth of Yoruba belief systems.

 

What Does Àṣẹ Mean?

 

In simple terms, Àṣẹ refers to the divine energy or life force that makes things happen. It is the spiritual authority and creative power given by Olódùmarè (the Supreme Being) to every living and non-living thing.

 

It is what gives prayers their potency. It is the force behind spoken words, rituals, and sacrifices. It is the power that connects humans, ancestors, Orisha, and the Creator. Think of Àṣẹ as the breath of existence, the energy that allows the universe to move, transform, and manifest.

 Àṣẹ in Yoruba Spiritual Practice

 1. In Prayers and Rituals

Every Yoruba prayer ends with “Àṣẹ,” similar to how Christians say “Amen.” It is both a seal and a command, affirming that the words spoken will manifest.

2. Among the Orisha

Each Orisha (divinity) is believed to carry a unique Àṣẹ that shapes their role in creation. For example:

Ogun has the Àṣẹ of iron, war, and innovation.

Oshun carries the Àṣẹ of love, fertility, and rivers.

Sango embodies the Àṣẹ of thunder, justice, and fire.

 

3. In Everyday Life

Àṣẹ is not only a ritual concept. Yoruba people believe every person has Àṣẹ within them, guiding their destiny (Orí). It is expressed through speech, creativity, and even daily decision-making.

 

The Power of the Spoken Word

 

Yoruba spirituality teaches that words have power. When someone speaks with intention, their words carry Àṣẹ, which can build, bless, or destroy. Proverbs, chants, and incantations (ofọ, àdúrà, oríkì) all rely on this sacred force.

This is why elders often remind the young to “speak good things,” because once released, words cannot be taken back,  they manifest through Àṣẹ.

Àṣẹ in the Diaspora

Across the African diaspora, in Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean, and the Americas, Àṣẹ remains alive. In Candomblé  and Santería, practitioners still invoke Àṣẹ to empower rituals and honor the Orisha. The word itself has traveled globally, symbolizing resilience and continuity of Yoruba culture.

 

Why Àṣẹ Matters Today

In a modern world full of distractions, understanding Àṣẹ reminds us that:

Our words and thoughts matter.

We carry divine energy to shape our lives and communities. Respecting Àṣẹ is respecting the balance between humans, nature, and the divine.

Àṣẹ is not just history; it is a living principle that guides Yoruba people and many across the world in faith, identity, and creativity.

Wole Soyinka: Nobel Laureate and one of the most prominent Yoruba Intelectuals

Àṣẹ is the heartbeat of Yoruba spirituality. It is the divine spark that turns words into reality, connects humans with the spiritual realm, and empowers every aspect of life. Whether in prayers, rituals, or daily speech, Àṣẹ is the unseen force that makes life possible.

The Awori People: Founders of Lagos State's Rich Heritage

Yemi Olakitan 

The Awori people are a subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic group and are the original settlers of Lagos State, Nigeria. Their history dates back to the 15th century when they migrated from Ile-Ife, the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people, under the leadership of Olofin Ogunfunminire, a prince of Ile-Ife.

Origins of the Awori People

According to oral tradition, Olofin was divinely instructed by the Ifa oracle to leave Ile-Ife with his people and settle in a distant land. The oracle gave him a mud plate and instructed him to follow it until it sank into the river. After several days of journeying, the plate finally sank at Idumota in central Lagos, and the people settled there. The name "Awori" comes from the phrase "Awo ti ri," meaning "The plate has sunk" 

Settlements and Culture

The Awori people established small settlements such as Isheri, Ota, Iddo, and Ebute Metta, which later evolved into bustling urban centers. They have a distinct dialect of the Yoruba language and a rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals like the Oro Festival, Egungun Festival, and Gelede Festival. These festivals showcase their vibrant culture, spirituality, and communal unity.

Traditions and Practices

The Awori people have a strong spiritual connection to their ancestors and believe in the Ifa oracle, which guides significant decisions in their community. They also have a deep respect for traditional rulers, known as Obas, who play a significant role in conflict resolution, communal governance, and cultural preservation.

Cuisine and Occupations

The Awori people are skilled farmers and fishermen, with staple foods like yam, maize, and cassava forming the basis of their diet. They also engage in crafts like pottery, weaving, and carving, which are showcased during festivals and ceremonies.

Legacy of the Awori People

The Awori people have played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of Lagos State. Their legacy can be seen in the city's vibrant culture, rich traditions, and strong sense of community. Despite the influence of modernizationnd urbanization, the Awori people continue to preserve their heritage and cultural identity.

The Awori people are a vital part of Lagos State's history and cultural landscape. Their rich traditions, language, and practices have contributed significantly to the city's identity, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The first Oba of Lagos was Prince Ado, who ruled from 1630 to 1669. 

He was the son of Ashipa, a war captain of the Oba of Benin who led the settlement but wasn't a king. Ashipa was an Awori Chieftain from Isheri who married a Benin princess, and his son Ado was appointed as the first Oba of Lagos by the Oba of Benin. Ado's reign focused on strengthening Lagos as a trading center, and he built good relationships with nearby communities to ensure peace and security for trade.

Key Facts about Ashipa and Ado

Ashipa's Background: Ashipa was an Awori Chieftain from Isheri, and his legacy played a significant role in shaping the history of Lagos.

Hi leadership laid the foundation for future rulers, and he oversaw the construction of key buildings, including the palace of Iga Idunganran. Ado's family roots trace back to the Oba of Benin, and his descendants continued to rule Lagos, keeping the title of Oba within his family.

It's worth noting that while Ashipa was an Awori Chieftain, the Obaship of Lagos has a complex history with influences from various cultural and historical factors.

https://nigerianleaders.com/complete-list-of-oba-of-lagos/