Chief Olabode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and military administrator, said that while it is true that Beninians traveled to Lagos, they did so to meet individuals.
Olabode George, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, made this statement in a rare interview, according to the Nigerian Tribune, in response to the Oba of the Benin Kingdom, N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, who claimed that the Benin established Lagos.
Recall that Oba of Benin Kingdom, N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, during his visit to the executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that the Benin founded Lagos. The recent statement by the well-respected and revered traditional ruler has generated a lot of mixed reactions from many Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, Chief Bode George said; “The truth of the matter is that the Benin did not found Lagos. Lagos has been in existence before the Benin came to Lagos. The Aworis were the original land owners in Lagos. If the Benin came to Lagos and met an empty land, then we can say their claim is right but they met people in Lagos.”
He added; “People were living here. At that time, the Benin met people in Lagos. In fact, at that time, according to history, when the British were trying to extend their territory to Warri, the Benin were very powerful. They faced the British at war but they were conquered.”
He noted; “It is true that the Benin came to Lagos, but they met people in Lagos. It was not an empty piece of land when they came.”
