Former Niger Delta agitator, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has joined the voices disputing the claim that the Benin people founded Lagos. In a viral video, Asari-Dokubo criticized the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for what he termed a dissemination of “parasitic history” regarding the ownership of Lagos.
According to Asari-Dokubo, the historical events cited by the Benin monarch did not unfold as presented. He argued that the Benin Army only attacked Lagos Island, not the entire state, including its hinterland. The controversy surrounding the ownership of Lagos resurfaced after Oba Ewuare II claimed during a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that “it is in the history books that the Benins founded Lagos.”
The Benin monarch’s statement triggered backlash from Lagosians, historians, and Nigerians who questioned the historical accuracy of the claim. Asari-Dokubo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that those who believe Lagos was founded by Benin people lack an understanding of history.
In the video, he questioned whether Benin had packaged the land of Lagos among the Yoruba and Egun people and emphasized the geographical distance between Benin and Lagos. Asari-Dokubo dismissed the notion that Lagos belongs to the Benin people and clarified that historical events, such as the Dahomey attack on Lagos, should not be misconstrued as the founding of the entire city.
He highlighted the geographical divisions of Lagos, emphasizing that when historical events like the Benin Army’s attack on Lagos Island are mentioned, it refers to a specific area, not the entirety of Lagos.
Asari-Dokubo concluded by asserting that while it may be reasonable to acknowledge historical events, it is incorrect to claim that Lagos, in its entirety, was founded by the Benin people.