Sanusi Olusi Explained

Oba Sanusi Olusi
Oba of Lagos
Birth Name:Sanusi Olusi
Succession:Oba of Lagos
Reign:1928-1931
Predecessor:Ibikunle Akitoye
Successor:Eshugbayi Eleko
Coronation:1928
Birth Place:Lagos, Nigeria
Death Place:Lagos
Place Of Burial:Okesuna Cemetery
Religion:Islam

Oba Sanusi Olusi (died 1935) was a wealthy trader who succeeded Ibikunle Akitoye as Oba of Lagos from 1928 to 1931 during what some historians refer to as the "Interregnum" years of the exiled Oba Eshugbayi Eleko. Oba Sanusi Olusi was a grandson of Olusi, and great grandson of Oba Ologun Kutere.[1] [2] Sanusi Olusi was the first Muslim Oba of Lagos.

Career and ascendancy to Oba of Lagos

Sanusi Olusi was a trader residing at 25 Bridge Street in Idumota.[3] He previously contested the Obaship of Lagos in 1925 but lost to then Prince Ibikunle Akitoye. Shortly after his property at Bridge Street was acquired by the British colonial government in Nigeria,[4] he was installed Oba of Lagos upon the death of Oba Ibikunle Akitoye. Sanusi Olusi's property was acquired by the government for the construction of Carter Bridge.

Deposition as Oba of Lagos

Upon the return of the previously deposed and deported Oba Eshugbayi Eleko, Sanusi Olusi was asked to vacate the palace (Iga Idunganran) and was given a £1,000 house along Broad Street by the British colonial government plus an annual allowance of £400 annually. At a later time he was given his own place at Oke-Arin known as Iga Olusi.

Re-contesting the Obaship of Lagos in 1932

Upon Oba Eshugbayi Eleko's death in 1932, Sanusi Olusi contested the Obaship, this time going against Prince Falolu Dosunmu but lost the contest. There was some tension between Sanusi Olusi and Oba Falolu Dosunmu - In 1935, Oba Falolu protested what he perceived as Sanusi Olusi's overbearing behavior: using the royal insignia and acting and dressing as though he were the Oba.[5] In response to Oba Falolu's protest Governor Cameron asked Sanusi Olusi to desist from such behavior.[6]

Death

Sanusi Olusi died in 1935 and was buried at Okesuna cemetery.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Musliu Olaiya Anibaba. A Lagosian of the 20th century: an autobiography. Tisons Limited, 2003. 9789783557116. 25. 30 July 2017. 2003.
  2. Book: 'Diméjì Ajíkòbi. What Does an African 'new Woman' Want?. 1999. Ark Publications, 1999. 9789783488694. 46.
  3. Book: Folami. Takiu. A History of Lagos, Nigeria: The Shaping of an African City. 1982. Exposition Press, 1982. 9780682497725. 58–59.
  4. Book: Dele-Cole. Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. 17 April 1975. Cambridge University Press. 9780521204392. 262 note 18.
  5. Book: Dele-Cole. Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. 17 April 1975. Cambridge University Press. 9780521204392. 174.
  6. Book: Dele-Cole. Patrick. Modern and Traditional Elites in the Politics of Lagos. 17 April 1975. Cambridge University Press. 9780521204392. 275 note 82.