About Ashipa
Ashipa was a monarch.
Ashipa, the founder of the Lagos royal dynasty but uncrowned as Oba of Lagos, whom all Obas of Lagos trace their lineage to, was an Awori Chieftain from Isheri. Ashipa was rewarded with title of Oloriogun (war chief) after returning the body of one Asheru, a Benin war captain to Benin and received the Oba of Benin's sanction to govern Lagos. Some Benin accounts of history have the Ashipa as son or grandson of the Oba of Benin. According to the Lagos traditional account however, AshÃpa (Yoruba: Aá¹£Ãpa) was a local native, an Awori Yoruba chieftain of Isheri.
Ashipa received a sword and royal drum as symbols of authority from the Oba of Benin on his mission to Lagos. Additionally, the Oba of Benin deployed a group of Benin officers charged with preserving Benin's interests in Lagos. These officers, led by Eletu Odibo, were the initial members of the Akarigbere class of Lagos White Cap Chiefs.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Family & relationships
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ashipa?
1St Oba of Lagos
When was Ashipa born?
Ashipa was born in Benin Empire.
When did Ashipa die?
Ashipa died in 1716 in Lagos.
What was Ashipa's occupation?
Ashipa was a monarch.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ashipa. https://biography.guide/ashipa/
MLA: "Ashipa." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ashipa/.
Chicago: "Ashipa." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ashipa/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:29 UTC