Epetedo

Epetedo is an historical area in Lagos Island where some of the followers of the deposed and exiled Oba of Lagos, Kosoko, settled in the 1860s. Many of the families living in this area are ones who fled Lagos when the British attacked the city during the time of king Akitoye and went to Epe. They returned to Lagos to their traditional homes after an agreement was reached.

The environs of Epetedo can be compared with suburbs like Mushin and Oshodi. It is thickly populated and mostly filthy. Houses are poorly spaced and drainage systems are almost non-existent. Epetedo was the site of M.K.O Abiola’s declaration of himself as president after the results of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections that weighed in his favor was cancelled. Abiola’s choice of the place may have been for refuge from security agents who are believed to be wary of the place, or to simply identify with the poor masses of Nigeria.

Contributor:
Tope Apoola
Profession: Writer