THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF AJAH

Ajah was founded around 350 years ago by Ogunsemo and Ojupon families. British Colonial officials helped establish the city as a strategic T-Juction between Lagos, the villages to the East of Lekki, and those North of Ajah, such as Addo or Langbasa.

The first Chief of Ajah, Ogunsemo Anadupo, gave parts of Ajah’s lands to 42 Chiefs’ families and 10 higher rank Chief families — 10 King Makers.

The current Baale of Ajah was installed on October 1st 2009, in person of Chief Murisiku Alani Oseni Adedunloye Ojupon, as the 11th Baale of Ajah land.

These are the chronological circle of the past Baale of Ajah till the present one since 17th century.

The 1st Baale of Ajah town was Ogunsemo in 1734-1780; 2nd Ojupon 1780-1823; 3rd Sholumade Ogunsemo 1823-1838; 4th Dada Ojupon 1838-1860; 5th Ogundairo Ogunsemo 1860-1882; 6th Oyewole Ogunsemo 1885-1892; 7th Rabiu Ajayi Ojupon 1893-1940; 8th Alli Ogunsemo 1941-1948; 9th Sulu Tijani Ojupon 1949-1987; 10th Kareem Amida OGUNSEMO 1989-2005 (He was deposed); then the 11th present Baale of Ajah town was installed on the 1st October 2009 till date.

The history of AJAH can’t be flourishing without the regency be mentioned.

Chief Ganiu Lamina Ashagbe “became the regent of Ajah town on the 8th of January 2006-Sept 30th 2009, while he handed over to the present Baale of Ajah on the 1st October 2009.

Over the years the town grew until it’s becoming a major strategic point in today’s Lekki masterplan, which shows the new Fourth Manland Bridge to go through Ajah. Ajah has developed its distinct culture with festivals, masquerades and other events taking place throughout the year. Both Christianity and Islam are present, however most of the Chiefs’ council were or appeared Muslim.

Interestingly for me, unlike most of the Lekki Peninsula land, Ajah was densely inhabited for centuries, going back in time to Lagos itself was turning from a fishing village to a city during the arrival of Portuguese and beginning of slave
trade in 1704.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AJAH AND THE LEKKI MASTERPLAN:

Until 2003 the Lagos State Government refused to acknowledge the Families’ political and land ownership roles in the area. It is only when the Federal Government (particularly official named Anolaja) stepped in, certain degree of authority was given to the Ajah Baale and his council. Since that time, permission for development is first agreed with the Baale and then taken to the State Government for an approval. Chief Murisiku acknowledges that the Lagos State owns Ajah land.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS:

The 4th mainland bridge project, brought forward by the previous Lagos State governor, is currently on hold. The project requiring relocation of 496 households was not approved and an alternative proposal is being developed.

Extensive areas of reclaimed land (600 hectares) are proposed to be added onto the Lagoon side of Ajah. Whilst this work is yet to be agreed and commenced,
much smaller reclamation project is taking place.