The Protectorates of Britain in Nigeria: Lagos – JSS3 Nigerian History Lesson Note (Second Term)

Britain took over Lagos in stages during the nineteenth century, from the bombardment of 1851 to the merger with Southern Nigeria in 1906.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define a protectorate;
2. state the reasons why Britain was interested in Lagos;
3. describe how Oba Kosoko was removed and Oba Akitoye installed;
4. explain how and why Lagos became a British colony in 1861;
5. describe the development of the Lagos Colony and its merger with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria in 1906;
6. state the lasting effects of British control on Lagos.

What is a protectorate?

A protectorate is a territory that is controlled and protected by a more powerful state or country.

• Background: in the nineteenth century, Britain began to control territories in what later became Nigeria.
• Purpose: the British created protectorates as part of their expansion in West Africa.
• Lagos: it was one of the earliest places in Nigeria to come under British control.
• Later role: Lagos became the base for British rule in southern Nigeria.

What is the difference between a colony and a protectorate?

A colony is a territory ruled directly by another country, while a protectorate keeps its local rulers under the protection of a stronger country.

• Colony: the foreign power governs directly through a governor, as in Lagos after 1861.
• Protectorate: local rulers keep some power, but the foreign power controls defence and foreign affairs.

Why was Britain interested in Lagos?

Britain was interested in Lagos because of its harbour, its trade, the anti-slavery campaign and rivalry with other European powers.

1. Strategic location: Lagos had a good natural harbour at the end of trade routes into Yorubaland.
2. Trade potential: merchants already exchanged goods from the interior with European traders.
3. Anti-slavery campaign: Britain had abolished slavery and wanted to end the slave trade. Lagos was involved in it, which gave Britain a moral reason to intervene.
4. European competition: Britain competed with France for influence in West Africa. Lagos would give Britain a strong base.

How did Britain first make contact with Lagos?

British contact with Lagos grew in the early nineteenth century through missionaries, traders and diplomats.

1. Missionary activities: the Church Missionary Society and other missions set up in Lagos and nearby areas. They spread Christianity and Western education.
2. Anti-slavery treaties: British representatives signed treaties with local rulers to end the slave trade. These were often the first step to greater British influence.
3. Commercial interests: British trading companies set up more permanent trading posts. This tied Lagos more closely to Britain’s economy.

How did Akitoye replace Kosoko as Oba of Lagos?

Britain bombarded Lagos in December 1851, removed Oba Kosoko and installed Akitoye as Oba.

1. Power struggle: Kosoko and Akitoye were rivals for the position of Oba. Akitoye had been driven out of Lagos and took refuge at Badagry.
2. British support: the British backed Akitoye because he seemed willing to help end the slave trade. They saw Kosoko as favouring its continuation.
3. Bombardment of Lagos: in December 1851, British naval forces attacked Lagos and Kosoko fled. This action is called the “Reduction of Lagos”.
4. Installation: the British placed Akitoye on the throne as Oba.
5. Treaty of 1852: Akitoye signed a treaty with Britain to end the slave trade. It marked the start of formal British influence over Lagos.

How did Lagos become a British colony in 1861?

Lagos became a British colony when Oba Dosunmu signed the Treaty of Cession on 6 August 1861.

1. New Oba: Akitoye died in 1853 and his son Dosunmu (also spelled Docemo) became Oba.
2. Increasing British control: British representatives gradually took charge of Lagos affairs, especially trade and foreign relations.
3. Treaty of Cession: on 6 August 1861, under heavy pressure and threats of force, Dosunmu signed. The treaty transferred Lagos to the British Crown.
4. Colonial status: Lagos became a British colony, ruled by a British governor.

What reasons did Britain give for annexing Lagos?

• Slave trade: to suppress it completely.
• Legitimate commerce: to protect lawful trade.
• Religion and “civilisation”: to spread Christianity and European ways.
• Rivals: to stop other European powers from taking this strategic place.

How did the Lagos Colony develop from 1861 to 1906?

After 1861, Britain set up a colonial government in Lagos and slowly widened its control.

• Administration: a governor appointed from London headed the government. British systems of law, taxation and governance were introduced.
• Territorial expansion: the colony began with Lagos Island and a small area around it. Britain extended its control to neighbouring areas through treaties and military action.
• Economy: Britain promoted “legitimate commerce” in palm oil, cotton and other farm products. Roads, railways and port facilities were built to carry this trade.
• Education and religion: missionary schools grew and Western education spread. Christianity spread, though many people kept traditional religions.
• Urban development: Lagos grew as a colonial city with buildings and roads on European models. Some colonial architecture can still be seen today.

How was the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria formed?

In 1906, the Colony of Lagos merged with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria to form the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.

1. Merger: Lagos Colony and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate became one unit in 1906.
2. Purpose: Britain wanted larger and more efficient administrative units.
3. Next step: the merger prepared the way for the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914.

What are the key dates in the British takeover of Lagos?

The main dates run from 1851 to 1914.

What was the legacy of British control in Lagos?

British control left lasting political, economic, cultural and architectural marks on Lagos.

• Political legacy: Lagos was the capital of colonial and independent Nigeria until the capital moved to Abuja in 1991.
• Economic importance: its growth as a port and commercial centre made Lagos Nigeria’s economic and financial hub.
• Cultural influence: Western education and Christianity spread from Lagos to other parts of Nigeria.
• Architectural heritage: colonial buildings and town planning still shape parts of Lagos.
• Political consciousness: Lagos became a centre of early nationalist activity that later contributed to the independence struggle.

Evaluation

1. What is a protectorate?
2. State four reasons why Britain was interested in Lagos.
3. Name the two rivals for the position of Oba of Lagos in the early 1850s. Which one did the British support, and why?
4. What happened on 6 August 1861, and what did it mean for Lagos?
5. Explain how the 1906 merger was a step toward the 1914 amalgamation.

Assignment

List and explain four changes that British rule brought to Lagos between 1861 and 1906.