The Story⚡
Exiled by the British in 1925 for defying colonial orders, Oba Eshugbayi Eleko returned to his Lagos throne six years later after a landmark legal victory in London. This true story is now the film Eleko (Oba Esugbayi) .
Tell Me More
Oba Eshugbayi Eleko, son of Oba Dosunmu, who signed the 1861 treaty ceding Lagos to Britain, ascended the throne in 1901 following the death of Oba Oyekan I. His first period of rule (1901–1925) overlapped with growing British administrative control over the colony.
Tensions arose in 1908 when he opposed Governor Walter Egerton’s proposal for a pipe-borne water supply funded by a levy on Lagos residents, stating that existing wells met local needs and that Europeans should cover the costs. The dispute led to protests involving thousands of people. In 1919, he approved the appointment of four Muslim title-holders at the Central Mosque, resulting in a temporary suspension of his official recognition and stipend before reinstatement later that year.
The decisive Eleko Affair combined the hidden royal staff of office, the Oluwa land case argued by Macaulay in London, and Macaulay’s public remarks about the scale of Lagos territory ceded in 1861 and unfulfilled compensation terms. When instructed to issue and announce a full rebuttal through official channels, Eleko declined. Governor Graeme Thompson deposed him on 6 August 1925; two days later, he was arrested and deported to Oyo. During the interregnum, Oba Ibikunle Akitoye (1925–1928) and Oba Sanusi Olusi (1928–1931) held the palace.
Eleko’s legal representatives pursued the matter to the Privy Council. In 1931, under Governor Donald Cameron, the colonial administration reviewed the case and permitted his return. Large crowds welcomed him in Lagos; he briefly fainted from the emotion before praising Macaulay. He resumed rule until his death on 24 October 1932 and was buried at Iga Idunganran.
Eleko (Oba Esugbayi) is drawn from these documented events, including the roles of market women leaders such as Alimotu Pelewura and the broader context of early-20th-century colonial Lagos. Femi Branch portrays Oba Esugbayi. The cast features Prince Jide Kosoko, Sola Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Saidi Balogun, Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, Rotimi Fakunle, Yemi Solade, Alaba Ultimate, Bidemi Kosoko, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Adebayo Salami, Jumoke Odetola, Broda Shaggi, and others.
Prince Jide Kosoko, from the Kosoko royal lineage of Lagos Island, serves as producer under Jide Kosoko Film Presentation, with line producer Shola Kosoko. Directors are Adebayo Tijani, Babatunde Kosoko, and Tunde Olaoye. Genesis Pictures handles distribution. Production drew on historical records to ensure accuracy in depicting palace proceedings, local resistance, and the daily life of the period.
In Summary
Eleko (Oba Esugbayi) premieres on March 14 and opens nationwide across cinemas on March 20, 2026.
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