Property Requests in Lagos Island (Eko), Lagos

About Lagos Island (Eko)

Lagos Island, locally called Eko, is the principal and central Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos, Nigeria. Unlike the modern skyscrapers of Victoria Island or the planned estates of Lekki, Lagos Island preserves the authentic spirit of old Lagos. Its crowded streets, centuries-old markets, and colonial-era architecture make it the true nucleus from which Nigeria’s largest city grew. To many locals, Lagos Island is not just a district — it is the original Lagos.

History of Lagos Island

Lagos Island’s story begins in the 15th century, when it was a thriving Yoruba fishing settlement under the authority of the Oba of Lagos. The name Eko is traced to the influence of the Benin Kingdom, which extended power over the area during this period.

Portuguese & British Influence: By the 16th century, Portuguese traders began arriving on Lagos Island, marking it as a key Atlantic port. Over time, European contact transformed Eko into an important center for trade, including the transatlantic slave trade.

Colonial Takeover: In 1861, the British annexed Lagos Island, making it the first colonial capital of Nigeria. The Island became the seat of colonial administration, with structures like the Government House and Christ Church Cathedral still echoing that era.

Post-Independence: After Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Lagos Island remained central to governance, commerce, and culture until the capital moved to Abuja in 1991. Yet, Eko continues to hold symbolic and historical importance as the root of Lagos.

Cultural Evolution

Lagos Island stands apart within Lagos State as a true melting pot of Yoruba traditions, colonial legacies, and immigrant influences. While modern Lagos has expanded into areas like Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ikeja, Lagos Island remains the cultural and historical center from which the city evolved.

Community Identity: For many residents across the state, saying “I’m going to Lagos” still means Lagos Island. The district represents the original Lagos — where commerce, tradition, and history meet in one energetic core.

Yoruba Heritage: Lagos Island is home to the Oba of Lagos’s Palace, serving as the ceremonial heart of Yoruba culture in the city. Traditional festivals, processions, and rituals held here keep the island’s indigenous spirit alive, linking modern Lagos to its ancestral roots.

Colonial Landmarks: From the Cathedral Church of Christ (CMS) to the Brazilian Quarters and King’s College, Lagos Island preserves architectural and cultural relics from the colonial and returnee Brazilian eras, offering a glimpse into the city’s layered history.

Market Energy: From the Cathedral Church of Christ (CMS) to the Brazilian Quarters and King’s College, Lagos Island preserves architectural and cultural relics from the colonial and returnee Brazilian eras, offering a glimpse into the city’s layered history.

Read more: About Lagos Island, Lagos.