IKORODU: THE EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A CITY

Résumé

The evolution of Ikorodu is a subject of a sort of controversy among historians. Contesting traditions of origin claim to have laid the foundation of Ikorodu. The sociocultural development of Ikorodu has transformed it from a small immigrant settlement to a Yoruba city. Much attention has been paid to the economic and administrative history of Ikorodu. Yet, the few academic engagements on its traditions of origin are limited. Although Charles (2022) harps on the Olusoga tradition of origin of Ikorodu, his work tends to neglect the other accounts, which if combined, could help us appreciate the people’s behaviour over time. The article examines the three plausible accounts of traditions of the origin of Ikorodu. It historizes the birth of Ikorodu city as a division of Lagos State. The article assesses the socio-cultural and economic transformations witnessed by the city due to transitional forces of colonialism and “metropolitics.” This examination helps us understand why some socio-cultural practices persist with the people, and the factors responsible for their resilience. What changes have occurred in the traditional practices of Ikorodu City? Using the qualitative approach, the paper adopts primary and secondary sources for gathering historical facts. Whereas interviews and archival materials constitute the primary sources, the secondary sources consulted are government records, books, and journal articles