Royal Family of Oba Kosoko to Host 2024 Memorial Lecture

The royal family of the late Oba Kosoko, who ruled Lagos from 1845 to 1851, is set to commemorate his legacy with the 2024 Kosoko Memorial Lecture.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Glover Memorial Hall, Marina Lagos.

Themed “The Lagos Economy During The Reign of Kosoko: A Tale of Prosperity and the Decline,” this year’s lecture promises to explore the economic landscape of Lagos during Oba Kosoko’s reign and its subsequent evolution.

Esteemed guests expected to attend include:

Lola Adeh-John, Minister of Tourism
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
Kadri Hamza, Deputy Governor of Lagos State
Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the 55th Alara of Ilara Kingdom
Oba Adewale, Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom
Chief Abiola Dosunmu, Nigerian businesswoman and socialite, currently holding the title of Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos
David Aworawo, Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies and Head of the Department of History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos
Adewunmi J. Falode, PhD, Chair of the Department of History and International Studies at Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State
Sanni Habeeb Abiodun, a notable scholar with expertise on the historical connections between Kosoko and the Epe region.
The inclusion of royal fathers from the Epe division highlights the enduring connection between Kosoko and Epe, reflecting a deep historical and cultural bond.

In 1851, King Kosoko arrived with 1500 people to lay the foundation of Eko-Epe.

This brought about the yearly traditional kayo-kayo festival that is observed to commemorate his arrival.

And the festival has been celebrated ever since then, to mimic how King Kosoko came to Epe.

The lecture is expected to provide a comprehensive analysis of Lagos’s economic history during the era of Oba Kosoko and shed light on the ongoing influence of his legacy.