In 1861, Lagos transitioned from an independent Yoruba kingdom to a British Crown Colony, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s colonial history. This annexation, formalised through the Treaty of Cession, marked the beginning of direct British governance in the region, significantly influencing Lagos’s political, economic, and social landscape.
Pre-Annexation Lagos: A Kingdom in Transition
Before British intervention, Lagos was a prosperous kingdom under the leadership of the Oba, rooted in Yoruba traditions. Its strategic coastal location made it a central hub in the transatlantic slave trade. However, by the mid-19th century, the abolitionist movement and declining demand for slaves prompted a shift towards legitimate trade, including palm oil and other commodities.
British interest in Lagos intensified during this period. The need to suppress the illegal slave trade and protect commercial interests in the interior led to increased British involvement in local affairs. Missionary activities also expanded, further embedding British influence in the region.
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The 1851 Bombardment: A Prelude to Annexation
The path to annexation was paved by the British naval bombardment of Lagos in 1851. This military action aimed to suppress the slave trade and assert British authority. The conflict culminated in the Battle of December 26, 1851, where British forces, led by Captain Jones, decisively defeated the forces of Oba Kosoko, who had resisted British anti-slavery efforts. Kosoko’s subsequent flight from Lagos paved the way for the installation of Oba Akitoye, who was more amenable to British policies.
The Treaty Between Great Britain and Lagos, signed on January 1, 1852, formalised the abolition of the slave trade and established a consular protectorate, setting the stage for future British control.
The 1861 Annexation: Formalising British Rule
On August 6, 1861, under the presence of the British warship HMS Prometheus, Oba Dosunmu (also known as Oba Dosunmu) signed the Treaty of Cession, transferring sovereignty of Lagos to Britain. This act effectively made Lagos a British Crown Colony, with direct governance from London. The annexation was a strategic move to consolidate British control over the region and to preempt any resurgence of resistance.
Following the annexation, British consul William McCoskry was appointed as the acting governor, marking the beginning of direct colonial administration in Lagos.
Administrative and Legal Transformations
The establishment of Lagos as a Crown Colony introduced significant administrative changes. A colonial government structure was established, with a governor appointed by London overseeing the colony. British legal systems were implemented, supplanting traditional Yoruba governance structures. This dual legal framework, comprising British law and customary Yoruba law, created a complex legal landscape.
Revenue generation through taxation was introduced to fund colonial administration and infrastructure projects, further entrenching British control over the colony’s economic activities.
Economic Implications: Integration into the British Empire
The annexation of Lagos facilitated its integration into the British imperial economy. The port of Lagos was developed to handle increased trade in palm oil, timber, and other raw materials essential to British industries. British merchants dominated commerce, marginalising local traders and creating a dependency on imperial trade networks.
Labour systems were formalised, with colonial authorities implementing policies that recruited workers for plantations and infrastructure projects, often under exploitative conditions.
Social and Cultural Transformations
The colonial period brought significant social and cultural changes to Lagos. British missionaries expanded their influence, establishing schools and churches that promoted Christianity and Western education. These institutions played a crucial role in the spread of literacy and the integration of Western values into Nigerian society.
Urbanisation accelerated as Lagos attracted people from various ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, Igbo, and Edo. This migration contributed to the city’s cosmopolitan character, blending indigenous traditions with colonial influences.
Resistance and Adaptation
Despite the formal annexation, resistance to British rule persisted. Local leaders and communities occasionally challenged colonial policies, seeking to maintain cultural autonomy and resist economic exploitation. However, many Lagosians adapted to the new colonial reality, engaging with the opportunities presented by Western education, trade, and infrastructure development.
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Legacy of the 1861 Annexation
The annexation of Lagos in 1861 laid the foundation for the broader British colonial presence in Nigeria. It established a model of direct colonial administration that would be replicated in other parts of the country. The economic integration of Lagos into the British imperial system had lasting effects on Nigeria’s economic development patterns.
Socially, the colonial period introduced new educational and religious frameworks that reshaped Nigerian society. The urbanisation of Lagos set the stage for its emergence as Nigeria’s largest city and a major economic hub.
The annexation of Lagos in 1861 was a defining moment in Nigeria’s colonial history. It marked the transition from an independent Yoruba kingdom to a British Crown Colony, initiating profound political, economic, and social changes. Understanding this transformation provides valuable insights into the complexities of colonialism and its enduring impact on contemporary Nigerian society.
Author’s Note
The annexation of Lagos in 1861 was a strategic move by Britain to consolidate control over the region and suppress the slave trade. The event led to significant administrative, economic, and social changes, including the introduction of British legal systems, economic integration into the imperial economy, and cultural transformations through education and religion. Despite initial resistance, the annexation set the stage for Lagos’s development into a major urban and economic centre in Nigeria.
References
Smith, R. (1974). The Lagos Consulate, 1851–1861: An outline. Cambridge University Press.
Hopkins, A. G. (1980). Britain’s Annexation of Lagos, 1861. JSTOR.
Adebayo, A. D. (2024). Electricity, Agency and Class in Lagos Colony, c.1860s–1914. Oxford University Press.
