Profile: Chief Akinpelu Ipossu of Lagos and Epe

[Toyin Falola]

Chief Akinpelu Ipossu of Lagos and Epe 

Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani*

[Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani is an associate professor of history at Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. The full text of the article is in "The Career of Akinpelu Ipossu in Lagos and Epe C. 1790-1875," in Akurang-Parry, K. & Kolapo, F. (eds.) The African Commoner, Local Processes, and Colonial Incursion ca. 1860-1914 (Lanham-Maryland: University Press of America, 2006), Chapter 7.]

Introduction:
The career of Akinpelu Ipposu is exemplary in our effort to distinguish between slaving and slave institution in Africa and the Diaspora during the nineteenth century. In Africa, and Lagos society in particular, a slave could rose to become distinguished war captain, minor chief, or King's messenger, with an enviable status in the society. This was particularly noticeable during the era of King Kosoko when many household slaves were reputed to have gained freedom. I have identified two reasons for this: One was the need to shore up the level and number of Kosoko's supporters; and secondly was Kosoko's liberal attitude towards the slaves who now freely express themselves on issues and politics hitherto an exclusive matter for the King and High Chiefs. Ironically, most of these men also had slaves whom they groomed in the art of politics and trade before the eventual abolition of slavery and slave trade in Lagos colony and its protectorates in 1854.
The Lagos Era circa 1790-1853:
Oral accounts have presented some riddles and puzzles in our attempt at knowing the origin of Akinpelu Ipossu. This involves his early life and attempts at knowing whether he was a descendant of one Egele Ipossu, whom oral accounts have failed to identify his origin. Chief Egele Ipossu is said to have come along with the Benin viceroy, Ashipa, during the mid 16th century. Another oral account states that he was an Ogu (Egun) man, like Chief Kakawa (the reputable warlord and commander of the Marina and the Southeastern part of the Island), who later became one of the renowned Abagbon chiefs. There is no doubting the fact that Akinpelu was a slave in the household of Egele Ipossu. He probably arrived in Lagos as a slave boy during the reign of Akinsemoyin in (circa 1790). There is a consensus that by sheer character, humility, dedication, hard work, and perseverance, Akinpelu soon emerged as a powerhouse during the Kosoko/Ohiwole/Akintoye disputes between 1841 and 1853.
What is incontrovertible about his youthful years is that, he had a humble beginning and was one of the rear household slaves of Egele Ipossu who was a close associate of Chief Onisiwo (an Ogalade Chieftaincy holder in Lagos). In fact, Chief Onisiwo bequeathed Akinpelu to his friend Egele Ipossu. The date of this event is however uncertain . Perhaps, this explains the compound name, AKINPELU IPOSSU. As a young man, he began his career as a household slave under the Onisiwo (an Ogalade chief). Oral accounts states that he was brave, valiant, and dynamic. These characters were the basis of his master's choice of career for Akinpelu, who soon assumed a military training under Chief Egele Ipossu - one of the Abagbon chiefs. It was not surprising therefore when at about the middle of the eighteenth century, his master, Onisiwo, directed that he should take up a military career under the tutorship of Egele Ipossu, who by then was one of the Abagbon (Warlords) Chiefs in Lagos.
      By first decade of the nineteenth century or there about, Akinpelu had risen to an enviable position such as Oshodi-Tapa, Dada Antonio, and Ajeniya had risen at the same period. His dedication, coupled with the death of the only male child of his master, there developed a kind of "father/son" relationship between Egele Ipossu and Akinpelu. This perhaps explains his ability to lay claim to the Ipossu Chieftaincy house after the demise of Egele at about 1804/1805. As the undisputed head of the Ipossu household he consolidated his position among other slaves and freeborn, as well as noblemen and King of Lagos during the early 1800s. His hegemonic leadership, coupled with commercial enterprise and profits from trade made him a force to be reckon with in years to come.

        The period 1831 and 1851 remained remarked in two respects. First, it was during this the period that the constitutional setting of kingship was threatened, and succession disputes became the order of the day. Secondly, there were emergent new elites in Lagos politics, which previously were of little significance. The events during this period no doubt were beneficial to many ex-slaves, household slaves, and most people of lower societal status. For Akinpelu, the headman ship of Ipossu household, and events in Lagos during this period presented him an opportunity to show his prowess and valor. We can say that the crisis between Kosoko, Eletu Odibo, Oluwole, Akintoye, soon brought him into the limelight in Lagos society. While previous studies have adequately explained the events , we should point out that Akinpelu, like Oshodi Tapa, Daba Antonio, and Ajeniya remained the source of inspiration to Kosoko's bid for the throne of Lagos. Kosoko, who understood power politics as being within the realm of the barrel of the gun, sought the support of the warlords after having returned to Lagos in 1841.  While in the previous era he had resorted to retreat whenever the Eletu Odibo - the traditional prime minister - and his allies denied him the throne, by 1845, he head realized the importance of the warlords as an important factor in a successful bid to the throne of his forbears.
Thus, when Akintoye asked him to vacate his Iga (palace) at Ereko within seven days on the pretext that he had gained much popularity, he not only flouts Akintoye's order, but also queried his claim to the throne. This led to the civil war in 1845 popularly known as OGUNLOMIRE (Salt Water War), and eventual defeat of Akintoye in that year. What is important for our purpose is, why did Akinpelu Ipossu fought on the side, we could say that while Kosoko was a good diplomat who sought the support of the warlords, such warlords that supported him did so far political consideration as well. While Akinpelu was looking for a way of legitimizing himself as undisputed head of Egele Ipossu Chieftaincy house, and perhaps headship of the Abagbon chieftaincy class against Ashogbon, Kosoko's offer of friendship and support in case of war with his adversaries was an opportunity for him to achieve this. While both Kosoko and Akinpelu were engaged in an unwritten political entente, they also seemed to have economic and trade alliance. In fact, Akinpelu Ipossu Chieftaincy house at Idi-Omu (Iga Ipossu) area was at a close proximity to Kosoko's Iga Ereko, which he built upon his first return to Lagos after the demise of King Oluwole. This is where he lived as the Oloja of Ereko until in 1841. There is the possibility that both Kosoko and Akinpelu Ipossu might have traded in slaves together before 1841.
Akinpelu along with Ajeniya (Kosoko's head slave), fought on the side of Kosoko against King Oluwole in 1835, which the latter won. Akinpelu was not only instrumental in Kosoko's successful exit from Lagos to Whydah, he also succeed in reaching a truce with Oluwole that allowed Kosoko's supporters to remain in Lagos at the end of the war. He successfully arranged Kosoko's return to Lagos thereafter and literally oversee the construction of Iga Ereko. With the Iga came Ereko market that later became a veritable trading center for Lagosians and people from the hinterland.
  Between 1845 and 1853, Akinpelu along with Ajeniya and Oshodi Tapa remained the backbone of King Kosoko. Although Kosoko was for the third time denied the throne by the Eletu Edibo, he refused to acknowledge Akintoye as the King. This of course resulted into another civil war between Akitoye and Kosoko. In addition, efforts at stopping the Trans-Atlantic slave trade were in place. While we are quite familiar with reasons why the British supported Akintoye's course, we should state that King Kosoko held on to his claim to the throne. The role of Akinpelu Ipossu and other Kosoko allies is remarkable. Realizing that the British squadron was planning to send in troops to aid Akitoye regained the throne, they laid ambush at Marina for the British party, killing one of them. The British retreated to their ship to fight another day.

In preparation for the second coming of the British, Akinpelu along with other supporters of Kosoko dug trenches between Marina and Olowogbowo, as well as "a strong fortification and stockade it with coconut trees to debar the entrance of the English into town". They however forgot that warfare has transcended trenches and blockades - It was the era of gunboat diplomacy - and whoever has it remained the victorious power. Thus, when the British bombard Lagos on December 27, 1851, Messrs Akinpelu and Ajeniya were the main army commanders that held fort until Kosoko and others made it to Epe.
Akinpelu as a clever diplomat quickly signed a truce with Akintoye upon his return to Lagos. While Akintoye taught of the support of one of Kosoko's supporters as being crucial to peace and his ascendancy, Akinpelu on the other hand sees it as an avenue to continue to be relevant in Lagos politics. As subsequent events show, he was not only close to the new helms man; he continued to enjoy much control over traders at Ebute Ero, Ereko, and Eti Ebute. Perhaps of most significance was his role in legitimizing "new" trade among Lagos folks. He partook in the signing of the commercial agreement between King Akintoye, Lagos chiefs and the European merchants in 1852, which provided that a custom duty of three percent ad valorem should be paid to the King on imports, and two percent on exports. In return, the Oba and his chiefs were to ensure a peaceful commerce within Lagos. This arrangement also improved the status of Akinpelu Ipossu in Lagos politics as he made the head of the 'mixed committee' set up to ensure "legitimate" commerce and adjudicate in trading disputes. That aside, he was also responsible for the control and movements of traders, toll collection and the keeping of trade records. In modern sense, he was the Chief Tax Officer, Comptroller of Custom and Immigration, and the Commissioner for Commerce and Trade. This was indeed an enviable role for a man hitherto of slave origin. He performed creditably well, and was rewarded by Akintoye when he put him in charge of the King's "intelligence/strategic" matters between 1852 and 1853. Despite this position, Akinpelu remained steadfast loyal to Kosoko whom he regularly briefed about situation in Lagos.
  However, two events thwarted the relationship between Akintoye and Akinpelu Ipossu. First, early in 1853 the British squadron captured Akinpelu secret fleet sent to Kosoko at Epe. It was also alleged that Akinpelu and Ajeniya were plotting to overthrow Akitoye by stockpiling arms and ammunition using the Ehin Ebute area. The second was the 'Amadie Affair' of 1853, which Robert Smith has adequately articulated. These events created enmity between Akinpelu and Akintoye, and reached its apogee in July 1853 during the Muslim Ramadan festival when parties loyal to Akinpelu/Ajeniya quarreled with those of King Akintoye. As J.B. Lori noted, "what actually began as a quarrel was later transformed into a civil war". By August 6, 1853, the fleet of soldiers from Kosoko at Epe had augmented Akinpelu's soldiers. This was reported to Akintoye who sought the support of his Egba friends and that of Martinez Domingo, both of who sent men to the King to boast his army fleet. However, the forces of Akintoye carried the day, and Akinpelu along with Ajeniya and some soldiers fled for Epe on August 13, 1853, thereby ending his career at Lagos.
The Epe Era, 1853-1875:
     The year 1853 marked another epoch in the history of Epe. It also remained remarkable in the career of Akinpelu in both Epe and Lagos societies. This was the year when an institutionalized traditional hierarchy was established by the Eko-Epe under the leadership of Kosoko - who was only assisted by Akinpelu, Ajeniya, Sarumi (a.k.a. Akilapa the biological father of Tijani), and Oshodi-Tapa among others. The area occupied by these men was divided into three main sections. These were OKO OBA (King's Hill) with its extension, POPO OBA (The King's Street); OKE BALOGUN (Balogun's Hill that include Sarumi's compound by the Marina) with its extension, ISALE AGORO (Agoro's Plain), and OKE IPOSSU (Ipossu's Hill). These formed what is today EKO-EPE area. A Council was formed under the headship of Kosoko until 1861 when he left for Lagos. This council consisted of Akinpelu, Ajeniya, Oshodi Tapa, Agoro, and Sarumi all of who sees to the day-to-day administration of the EKOS.

        Between 1853 and 1854, Akinpelu played an important role in Lagos and Epe politics. While trade along the Lagoon and Creeks of Lagos and Epe was disrupted by Kosoko's men, the British consul at Lagos was left with no option than to seek a truce to free trade and commerce between Epe and Lagos. The British Consul also made efforts to reconcile the Epe Chiefs and Dosunmu, the new King of Lagos, in September 1853.Needless to state that what was uppermost on the mind of Consul Campbell was the need for cooperation with the Eko-Epe group rather than hostility. Thus by January 1854 a bilateral agreement/Lade been reached between the Eko-Epe, Lagos and Her Majesty represented by Consul Campbell, Bedingfield and Irving, at AGBEKIN (PALAVER ISLAND). However, the agreement reached at this meeting did not take effort until Akinpelu appended his thumbprint on the paper. The settlement at Agbekin, otherwise known as Epe Treaty of September 1854 consists of seven articles. The salient features of the treaty was that, Palma was recognized as Kosoko's Port; Kosoko and his men should abstain from regaining Lagos; stop slave trade; protect merchants and traders; and re-opened the markets on the "Jaboo Shore". Perhaps of much importance was the sixth article which states that, Her Majesty's representative should pay Kosoko for life the sum of 2,00 heads of convince or 1,000 dollars at his option. While Kosoko and Oshodi-Tapa along with large followers migrated to Lagos in 1862, the headship of the remaining Eko-Epe people was left to Akinpelu Ipossu.
   Two reasons can be deduced from this event. One, Akinpelu sees Kosoko's exist from Epe as an opportunity to be the leader and not a deputy. He therefore consolidated his political position by remaining behind. Two, he probably would have seen the futility of regaining his Eti-Ebute market after having left Lagos in 1853. Coupled with this were the emerging Jaboo markets, which were not far from Epe, as well as large expanse of land upon which sold to the European traders. It is suffice to state that by 1863, he had established trade links at INOFORIJA, EYINDI, ORIMEDUN, ITOIKIN, EJIRIN, and AGBOWA.
   Akinpelu soon consolidated his friendship with the Ijebu-Epe group. As a good diplomat, he allays the fear of the Ijebu people by ensuring that the new settlers from Lagos did not encroach on their land. He also related with the headship of the Ijebu-Epe and recognized good neighborliness as a key to peace and tranquility; he held on to his domination of Lekki/Palma markets, as well as those at Aiyetoro and Lagbade. He soon had problems with British administrators over imposition of taxes and tools at these markets. Governor Freeman's attempt at introducing taxes/tolls at these markets, as well as incorporating Epe under the cession treaty of 1861, was rebuked by Akinpelu and his men. Thrice the British came with large forces to overrun Epe, thrice Akinpelu's men defeated them. However, he agreed in March 1863 to sign a treaty with the British not under duress or threat of the gunboat, but to ensure the continuity of the legitimate trade in his area. In fact, he signed the treaty at Epe contrary to Governor Freeman's earlier position that he should come to Lagos. One major aspect of the 1863 treaty was that, Ipossu was recognized by the British as the overall authority at Epe through whom the gains of the "legitimate" trade was consolidated. Thus, between 1863 and 1875 when he died, he remained the best friends of the British administrators in Lagos and Epe by ensuring that trade and commerce was not interrupted.
Conclusion
  As I stated before like most great men in history, Akinpelu left his mark on a golden plate. There is no way we could write a complete history of Epe and Lagos during the nineteenth century, without mentioning his role. He played a greater role in the unification of the remnant Eko-Epe people at the exit of Kosoko and Oshodi-Tapa in 1861 from Epe; He was the founding pillar for a traditional institution now known as the Olu of Epe. Indeed, he remained the main source of inspiration for subsequent heads of the Eko-Epe. Lastly, he was one of the founding African pro-consuls and exponent of "legitimate" commerce at Epe and its environs. His cooperation was readily sought by the British administration in ensuring the growth of "legitimate" commerce, which he not only pioneered, but also greatly encouraged from 1863 onwards. On his death in 1874, it was not difficult to find a successor in the person of Iyanda Oloko (1875-1879) as the head of Eko-Epe group.

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Toyin Falola
Department of History
The University of Texas at Austin
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