Conflicts in northern Nigeria persisted almost continuously since Afonja’s 1807 rebellion, resulting in the capture of thousands, many of whom were sold into slavery. By 1815, Lagos had become a key center for this inhumane trade, with enslaved individuals—men, women, and children—being marched in chains to await transportation.
In 1836, a struggle for the Lagos throne broke out between two rivals, Kosoko and Oluwole. Following Oluwole’s death, Akitoye ascended to the throne in 1841. In a pivotal move, Akitoye invited his exiled adversary, Kosoko, back to Lagos. However, instead of reconciling, Kosoko staged an uprising, setting the city ablaze and forcing Akitoye into exile in Badagry.
Determined to regain power, Akitoye sought British support, promising to abolish the slave trade in Lagos if reinstated. This pledge led to British military intervention. In November 1851, warships—including Philomel, Harlequin, Niger, and Waterwitch—gathered off the Lagos coast. On November 25, they launched an assault.
Approaching Lagos Island under white flags of truce, the British flotilla was met with gunfire. When their peace signals were disregarded, they retaliated. Intense street battles ensued, but Kosoko’s well-fortified forces, concealed behind stockades and mud walls, inflicted significant casualties and forced the British to withdraw.
This marked only the beginning of British involvement in Lagos, an intervention that would profoundly shape the region’s history.
