Former Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagboun, has faulted the belief in some quarters that ‘Lagos is a no man’s land.’
Speaking at the launch of a book entitled: “Ojikutu family of Lagos (In My Life)” authored by Prof. Rasheed Kola Ojikutu, yesterday, he said the Aworis were the first settlers in Lagos. He added that the Obayomi (Ojikutu) family, the Taiwo Olowo family and others around Ehin Ogba in Lagos Island are legitimate occupants of Lagos Island because ‘it is their fathers’ domain.’
He said Lagos Island belongs to the Aworis and all Aworis are Omo Olofin and Olofin Ogunfunmire, while the progenitor of the Awori nation was the first Olofin Adimula gbogbo Awori.
Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji, commended the author for writing such wonderful document, adding writing such a “book requires tenacity, doggedness and unwavering commitment.” She noted the book would contribute to body of knowledge.
The author argued that it was the responsibility of every generation to close the lacuna created by years of neglect of family history and that is exactly the essence of this book entitled, Ojikutu family of Lagos (In My Life).
In his foreword, former Vice Chancellor University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, stated that the “book speaks for itself,” adding that “it is a well-researched history of the Ojikutu family, which the author carefully traced from both maternal and paternal ancestry.”
Chairman Ojikutu family, Chief Tajudeen Olajide Ojikutu noted that there is a misconception. “We are trying to put the record straight. We have existed in Lagos before Eko became Lagos and before Nigeria was incorporated.” He said the progenitor of Ojikutu family was Amodu Rufai Ibikunle Ojikutu, adding that name Ojikutu was given by the drummers.
