Eshugbayi Eleko

Oba Eshugbayi Eleko (died 1932), alias "Eleko of Eko", was the Oba of Lagos from 1901 to 1925, and from 1931 to 1932. His father was Oba Dosunmu. Eleko's struggles and legal victory over the British colonial government symbolized the struggle between indigenous rights and colonial rule in Nigeria. The outcome of the "Eleko Affair" led to the Eleko's deposition as Oba and deportation to Oyo between 1925 and 1931, years that some historians now call the "interregnum years", and that saw the reigns of Oba Ibikunle Akitoye (from 1925 to 1928) and Oba Sanusi Olusi (from 1928 to 1931).

Obaship Oba Eleko succeeded Oba Oyekan I upon Oyekan's death in 1901 and was officially recognized by the British colonial government in Lagos under the governorship of William MacGregor. Those who lost out to Eleko for the Obaship in 1901 include Jose Dawodu, Oduntan,

Eleko's opposition to the British colonial government's water tax In 1908, the British colonial government (Governor Walter Egerton) proposed the introduction of pipe-borne water in Lagos (at a cost of £130,000) to improve sanitary conditions and argued that Lagosians should pay for the water scheme. Oba Eleko opposed the scheme noting that Lagosians could live off well-water and that it was the Europeans in Lagos who needed the pipe-borne water and that Europeans ought to pay for the water project. Despite the Eleko's objections, construction for the Iju Waterworks commenced and as a result, Oba Eleko instigated a protest of about 15,000 Lagosians on the Lagos Government House. Riots followed the protest and European shops in Lagos were looted. ''

Eleko's clash with the government over Central Mosque appointments Oba Eleko's other troubles with the colonial government manifested in 1919 when the Oba approved the appointment of 4 Jamat Muslims to the titles of Balogun, Bashorun, Seriki Musillimi and Bey at the Central Mosque. The colonial government felt the Oba overstepped his bounds and that the appointment ought to have been a strictly religious affair with the government's blessing. The government, in what can be seen as retaliating for the riots over the pipe-borne water scheme, withdrew its recognition of the Oba and suspended his stipend. The government's antagonism toward Oba Eleko raised his profile with Lagosians; the colonial government's punitive measure had the unintended consequence of raising the Eleko's profile because the local chiefs and local merchants flooded the Eleko with financial support. With Oba Eleko exiled, Oba Ibikunle Akitoye ruled from 1925 to 1928 and Oba Sanusi Olusi ruled from 1928 to 1931. While Oba Eleko was exiled, his lawyers continued to fight his deportation and went before the Privy Council in Britain who issued a directive requesting a review of the Oba's deportation. With things looking favorable to the Oba after many years in exile, the incoming Governor of Lagos, Sir Donald Cameron, in what was viewed as a political masterstroke, decided to settle the issue out of court and allowed Oba Eshugbayi Eleko to return. Consequently, Cameron won the praise of many Lagosians.

Eleko's triumphant return from exile Oba Eleko returned to a jubilant Lagos crowd who cheered him and carried him to his palace. Overwhelmed with emotion, the Eleko fainted and had to be revived. The Eleko also burst out in song praising Herbert Macaulay, who had been a strong advocate. Oba Sanusi Olusi vacated Iga Idungaran for Oba Eleko and was compensated with a £1,000 house along Broad Street by the British colonial government plus an annual allowance of £400.

Death Oba Eshugbayi Eleko died on October 24, 1932, was buried at Iga Idunganran, and was succeeded by Oba Falolu Dosunmu.