The ‘modern’ territory known as Surulere is a part of eleven quarters initially referred to as Ewi Egbigbo Land, claimed to be owned by the Ojomo Eyisa family. According to historical sources, the quarters included Ajewele, Ibari, Igbobi, Ilupeju, ojuwoye, Odu Abore and Abule Olosan.
A member of the Ojomo Eyisa family, named AlagoAsalu, had, a t a point, moved out to search for a virgin land known as “obele” in the Awori form of Yoruba language. AbuleAbebe, which modern Surulere now falls into, was part of the settlements established in this “obele”.
The sources add that in the 1930s, the colonial government began massive acquisition of expanses of land with huge monetary compensations to the land owners. But, curiously, areas around AbuleAbebe, under which Surulere falls, were left out. Later, however, the colonialists developed interests in the Abule Abebe areas. But when the lands were eventually acquired, the owners were given double monetary compensation. This made the land owners very happy and they gleefully chanted about, “Suuru lere”, which, in Yoruba language means patience pays.
This is how the area became known as Surulere till date.
SOURCE: ‘Phenomenal Lagos: 50 Iconic Monuments from the Centre of Excellence’, by Akeem Lasisi and Kabir Garba
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