In the Epetedo area of Lagos Island, history stands quietly but firmly on Oshodi Street. There, a cenotaph commemorates Oshodi Tapa, a man remembered for his military authority and political influence during one of the most dramatic periods in nineteenth century Lagos.
The monument is widely known as the Oshodi Cenotaph and was erected on 25 December 1968 by the Oshodi Tapa Descendant Union to mark one hundred years since his death. Its presence is not symbolic alone. It anchors family memory in public space and ensures that Oshodi Tapa’s name remains part of everyday movement, conversation, and local identity in Epetedo.
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Oshodi Tapa’s place in Lagos history
Oshodi Tapa is remembered as a powerful chief and war leader closely associated with Oba Kosoko, one of the most influential and controversial rulers in Lagos history. His authority did not rest on kingship, but on leadership in warfare, organisation, and loyalty during a period when Lagos was fractured by internal rivalry and external pressure.
Family tradition records his death as occurring on 2 July 1868. This date remains central to how his life is remembered and explains why the centenary memorial was constructed in 1968. His importance lies in what he represented during his lifetime, a figure whose power emerged through action rather than inheritance.
Origins and identity
Oshodi Tapa’s origins are rooted in Nupe identity. Historical accounts consistently associate him with the Nupe people, historically referred to in Lagos and Yoruba sources using the term “Tapa.” His early life before arriving in Lagos is remembered in different ways, reflecting the complexity of migration, power, and status in nineteenth century West Africa.
What remains clear is that he was not part of the Lagos royal lineage. He emerged as an outsider who rose into prominence through service, skill, and strategic importance. His rise reflects how Lagos, as a coastal trading city, absorbed people from across regions who later became central to its political and military life.
Trade exposure and wider connections
Oshodi Tapa is frequently associated with commercial and diplomatic exposure beyond Lagos. Accounts describe him as having contact with Portuguese linked trade networks, a connection that distinguished him from many palace figures of his generation.
This exposure enhanced his value within Lagos society, particularly during a period when trade, foreign contact, and political power were becoming inseparable. His reputation grew not only from warfare but also from his ability to operate within a changing economic environment shaped by Atlantic commerce.
The Kosoko era and the struggle for Lagos
Mid nineteenth century Lagos was marked by intense struggle. Competing claims to the throne, shifting trade interests, and increasing British involvement created a volatile political environment. Oshodi Tapa’s name became prominent during this era because of his role among the chiefs aligned with Kosoko.
The crisis reached a turning point in late 1851 when British forces attacked Lagos following failed diplomacy. The bombardment forced Kosoko out of Lagos and altered the city’s political direction. These events reshaped authority in Lagos and accelerated foreign influence over its governance.
Throughout this period, Oshodi Tapa is remembered as one of the leading figures around Kosoko’s camp, contributing to military organisation and resistance during the conflict.
Exile to Epe and negotiated peace
After Kosoko’s removal from Lagos, he and his supporters relocated to Epe, establishing a base of influence outside the city. This exile defined a new phase in Lagos politics, one marked by negotiation rather than open warfare.
In 1854, Kosoko entered into what became known as the Treaty of Epe, a formal agreement that reduced hostilities and stabilised relations with British authorities. This moment reshaped the political landscape and opened the way for later reconciliation.
Oshodi Tapa’s story is inseparable from this exile period. His loyalty during displacement strengthened his standing and shaped where he and others would later settle upon returning to Lagos.
Return to Lagos and the rise of Epetedo
When Kosoko returned to Lagos in the early 1860s, the city had changed. Settlements were reorganised, and new communities formed. Epetedo emerged as one of these spaces, commonly associated with the idea of return from Epe.
Oshodi Tapa settled in this area, and his presence contributed to Epetedo’s identity. The neighbourhood became a living reminder of exile, survival, and reintegration. Over time, Oshodi Street itself became one of the most direct links between the present community and the political struggles of the past.
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Why the cenotaph still matters
The Oshodi Cenotaph stands as more than a personal memorial. It represents continuity in a city known for constant change. It reminds residents that Lagos Island’s history was shaped by individuals whose decisions influenced where people lived, how communities formed, and which names endured.
For Epetedo, the cenotaph is part of its foundation story. It ties the neighbourhood to the Kosoko era and preserves the memory of a chief whose influence extended beyond his lifetime.
Author’s Note
The Oshodi Cenotaph teaches that history does not disappear when cities grow. It settles into streets, names, and shared memory. Oshodi Tapa’s life, shaped by power, conflict, exile, and return, still speaks through Epetedo, reminding us that Lagos was built not only by kings, but by those who stood beside them and shaped the course of events.
References
Daily Trust, The Dying Yoruba, Nupe Cultural Affinity
The Guardian Nigeria, Oshodi Tapa wasn’t a slave of Oba Kosoko, says family
Oshodi Family Diaspora, About Us
