Ojo, the area where the Lagos State University is located, is an ancient Awori town, the founding of which historical accounts connect to one AinaAseba. Aseba was a prince who migrated from the Benin royal house with his wife, Iyelaje. Also in her company to Lagos were his son, Ebuli and some other followers. They first settled in Iddo, where they met Olofin Ogunfunminire.
It is also noted that Aina Aseba arrived in Iddo with royal paraphernalia from Benin – including beads, beaded crowns and the gbedu drum, as well as personal god, OrisaAlaworo. But after a brief stay in Iddo, and due to increasing population, AinaAseba was advised by Olofin to move to another place. Therefore, Aseba, with his royal household, travelled westwards on the Lagos lagoon, passing through the Badagry Creek till they came to a place now known as Ojo, where they settled down.
Before then, Ojo was an unoccupied land; but shortly after occupation, an Ifa priest from Ile-Ife, Osugbemi, visited Aseba and divined that the settlement would abound with people and enjoy great wealth, and immense popularity. For the prediction to come true, a sacrifice had to be made with items such as pigeons, hens, kola nuts, bitter kolas, cowries, alligator peppers, snails etc., each supplied in the proportion of eights. On the account of this, the town became known as Ilu Ejo (the Town of EIGHTS) and his head, with his head called Baba Elejo (Father of Ejo). Gradually, Baba Elejo had its name corrupted to Baba Olojo, and the community, Ilu Ojo (or Ojo town). With time, Ojo emerged in the environment as a thriving community of immense potential.
From: ‘Phenomenal Lagos: 50 Monuments from the Centre of Excellence’, by Akeem Lasisi and Kabir Garba)
