Oba Musendiku Adeniji Adele, also known as ‘Ologbon d’ori eja mu, Omo Buraimoh’, was a political figure and a brilliant scholar who reigned as Oba of Lagos from October 1, 1949, to July 12, 1964. During his reign, he served as vice president of the Senate between 1960 and 1962. Born in 1894, he was a prominent monarch who won a gold medal prize for the best novel written by a native West African in 1927. Historians often recall the era of his reign as the height of prestige, respect, and authority of the modern-day monarchy in Lagos.

As the Action Group’s campaign for Lagos to join the Western Region gained momentum in the 1950s, the late Oba and others on record resisted the move, championing the slogan ‘Gedegbe ni Eko wa!’ or ‘Lagos is independent!’ This stance was controversial, given the Action Group’s popularity. Nevertheless, the Oba firmly opposed the party’s push for Lagos to become part of the Western Region administration, a position that significantly contributed to the preservation of Lagos’ independence and ultimately led to the creation of the sub-national Lagos State as we know it today.

I urge the Adele Ajosun Royal Family to keep the memory of Oba Musendiku Adeniji Adele alive, serving as a guiding light and inspiration for current and future generations. As Lagosians commemorate the 60th anniversary of his passing, we honor the legacy of a renowned nationalist and exceptional traditional ruler, whose impact remains indelibly marked on the sands of time. As the family celebrates this distinguished personality, who was knighted by the Queen of England, it warms the heart to know that his memory endures, evergreen and vibrant. May we continue to cherish and honor his memory, drawing guidance and inspiration from his remarkable life for generations to come.

May God bless us with more distinguished individuals in the mold of Oba Musendiku Adeniji Atin Adele. Amen. Under his visionary leadership, Lagos flourished, attaining an enviable economic status that attracted Europeans, Arabs, and Lebanese to the city for trade and commerce. The late Oba Musendiku Adeniji Atin Adele is remembered for his tolerance of radical politicians who challenged the status quo, earning him the respect of prominent Egbe Omo Eko leaders, including the late Yesufu Agoro and Amodu Tijani, the Oluwa of Lagos and Apapa respectively.

We remember his enduring contribution to the advancement of education in Lagos and the entire western region. Seventy years after his passing, Lagosians continue to benefit from his legacy projects. One of the most significant and historic events in mid-twentieth-century Lagos was the royal battle between Prince Adeyinka Oyekan and Prince Musendiku Adele for the Obaship of Lagos. Although Prince Adeyinka Oyekan was the challenger, Oba Musendiku Adele emerged victorious and reigned as the Oba of Lagos from 1949 to 1964.

Following the death of Oba Falolu Dosumu in September 1949, the people of Lagos were unaware of the intense royal battle that was to ensue. The Oyekan/Dosumu Royal House hastily crowned Prince Temiyemi Adedoyin Dosumu and installed him at Iga Idunganran. However, the Kingmakers, comprising prominent Lagos White Cap Chiefs, had already selected Prince Musendiku Adeniji Adele as the next Oba, following traditional consultations with the Ifa Oracle. Adele was chosen from a distinguished list of Lagos princes, including my late uncle, Prince Lamidi Sule Afolabi Akinsemoyin. Interestingly, curious Lagosians who visited Prince Temiyemi, an elderly man at the time, observed that he spoke the Egba dialect of the Yoruba language, having spent most of his life in Abeokuta, rather than the Isale-Eko/Awori dialect spoken in Lagos. This earned him the nickname ‘Oba Egbeere Omo Colony’ (King Egbeere), as he greeted everyone in the manner of an Egba elder.

On Saturday, October 1st, 1949, Prince Musendiku Adele was ceremoniously capped in a traditional ceremony at Enu Owa, Isale Eko, attended by numerous Nigerian and foreign dignitaries. He was then led to Iga Idunganran with pomp and pageantry, but upon arriving at the palace gate, they found it firmly locked. A confrontation was imminent, as it was well-known that Prince Temiyemi Dosumu had been residing in the palace, claiming to be the Oba, despite not being appointed by the White Cap Chiefs or recognized by the government, which had officially recognized Adele’s appointment. As Adele’s entourage attempted to force the gate open, it became clear that a group of strongmen inside the palace were working to prevent entry. Meanwhile, a police formation was on standby to prevent any violence. The new Oba and his supporters, including influential personalities and traditional White Cap Chiefs, grew impatient. They knew that they had to gain possession of Iga Idunganran before nightfall, or the ceremonies and coronation would be rendered null and void according to tradition.

Prominent political leaders in attendance included Alhaji Sule Gbadamosi (ITC), Dr. Akanni Doherty, Chief Rotimi Williams, and Chief H. O. Davies, all members of the influential Action Group. The situation was at a stalemate until Davies and White Cap Chief Aminu Muse Kosoko, the Oloja/Asajon of Lagos and a prince of the royal palace, rushed to the gate, followed by a crowd of supporters. Suddenly, fighting broke out behind the gate, and some of Adele’s supporters, who had entered the palace through a different route, overpowered those resisting the new Oba’s entrance. They flung open the gate, and Oba Adele and his entourage entered triumphantly. This victory was celebrated with a new ‘war beat’ by the Oba’s chief drummer, Aremu Baba Kabiru, which became Oba Adele’s praise song throughout his reign. The ‘beat’ went:

‘Wole, Wole, Wole, Adele Wole, Ile Baba omo kii b’omo I’eru, Wole’ meaning ‘Enter, enter, enter, Adele enter, A child is never afraid of his father’s house, enter.’

By Ademola Oladega Akinsemoyin