Eletu Odibo

The Eletu Odibo of Lagos is the traditional nobleman that has historically served as the principal kingmaker of the Oba of Lagos. As head of the Akarigbere class of chiefs, the Eletu Odibo also serves as the prime minister of the Oba.

History The Oba of Benin deployed a group of Benin officers along with his war captain, Ashipa, to preserve Benin's interests in Lagos affairs. The Eletu Odibo was the head of this group who accompanied Ashipa to Lagos.

Kingmaking role When the Ashongbon (Head War Chief) informs the Eletu Odibo about the vacancy of the Obaship, the Eletu verifies the vacancy by visiting Iga Idunganran, the royal palace. After confirmation, the Eletu returns to his sanctuary where he consults the Ifa Oracle with names of all of the eligible males from the Lagos Ruling Houses in order to receive a divine pronouncement. The Eletu and the Ashongbon then summon a meeting where the Obaship candidate is presented. Those who attend the presentation include: the Omo-Obas (the various royals), the Ibigas (slaves), White Cap Chiefs, War Chiefs, and representatives of communities that owe allegiance to the Oba of Lagos. Eletu Odibo, as Chief Kingmaker, took offense at Kosoko's arrogant decision and thereafter used his position to frustrate his multiple Obaship bids in the years to come.

Kosoko's 1st Obaship bid frustrated by Eletu Odibo When Oba Osinlokun died in 1829, Kosoko's brother, Idewu Ojulari, became Oba and reigned from 1829 to around 1834/5. Idewu Ojulari's reign was unpopular, however, and at the behest of the Oba of Benin, to whom the people of Lagos had petitioned (Lagos was under Benin suzerainty up until the reigns of Oba Akitoye and Dosunmu, who rebuffed the payment of tribute to Benin), Idewu Ojulari committed suicide. Since Kosoko was now unacceptable to Eletu Odibo, the Kingmakers invited the exiled Adele home from Badagry to rule as Oba of Lagos for a second term.

Kosoko's 2nd Obaship bid frustrated by Eletu Odibo Oba Adele's second reign ended upon his death in 1837 and again, Eletu Odibo blocked Kosoko's accession and installed Oluwole, Adele's son, instead.

Feud gets personal The intensity of the Eletu Odibo and Kosoko feud increased after this, with Eletu Odibo extending his vendetta to Opo Olu, Kosoko's sister, accusing her of witchcraft. Eletu's personal vendetta led Kosoko and his followers to pursue a failed armed rising known as Ogun Ewe Koko ("leaves of the coco-yam war"). This resulted in Kosoko and his followers fleeing to Epe after their defeat. Eletu Odibo then intensified the hatred between both camps by digging up Kosoko's mother's remains and throwing them into the Lagos lagoon.