Sanusi Olusi, who passed away in 1935, was a well-known character in Lagos history who was well-known for his fortune as a trader as well as for his involvement in the stormy period of the city’s monarchy. Following the death of Oba Ibikunle Akitoye in 1928, he came to the throne. This period was also notable for the exile of the then-reigning Oba, Eshugbayi Eleko, also referred to as “ELEKO of EKO.”
Oba Dosunmu was his dad. Interestingly, given the religious variety of the area at the time, Oba Sanusi Olusi was the first Muslim to hold the title of Oba of Lagos. Prior to ascending to the throne, Sanusi Olusi unsuccessfully ran for the position of Oba in 1925, losing to Prince Ibikunle Akitoye.
His residence, 25 Bridge Street in Idumota, was subsequently purchased by the British colonial authority for the building of Carter Bridge. Olusi’s short but significant reign as Oba of Lagos began with the installation of Akitoye following his death. But with the return of the overthrown Oba Eshugbayi Eleko, his reign came to an end. The British colonial authority forced Oba Sanusi Olusi to leave the royal residence, Iga Idunganran, in 1931. He received a £1,000 property on Broad Street and a £400 yearly stipend in return. Eventually, he was given permission to live in Oke-Arin on his own, which became known as Iga Olusi.
After Oba Eshugbayi Eleko passed away in 1932, Sanusi Olusi ran for the Obaship again, this time against Prince Falolu Dosunmu. Even though he lost the competition, Sanusi Olusi’s ongoing use of royal insignia and his actions, which were seen as an attempt to hold onto the title of Oba, caused problems between him and the recently appointed Oba Falolu. As a result, Oba Falolu filed an official complaint with Governor Cameron, who gave Sanusi Olusi the order to stop acting in this way. After his death in 1935, Oba Sanusi Olusi was buried in Okesuna Cemetery.
His reign and life continue to be an important part of Lagos’ history, serving as a reminder of the difficulties of traditional governing systems under colonial rule as well as the intricacies of leadership.
