Before the British bombardment of Lagos in 1851, Lagos was a major slave trading port under Oba Kosoko. Britain fought hard for the abolition of the slave trade in Lagos but due to some reasons having to do with Oba Kosoko, the mission was not accomplished. In 1849, Britain appointed John Beecroft as Consul of the Bay of Benin and Biafra, while Lagos was in the western part of the Consulate of the Bay of Benin and Biafra, which facilitated the dethronement of Oba Kosoko (as he said) and was an obstacle for the abolition of the slave trade in Lagos) and the installation of Oba Akintoye. On January 1, 1852, Oba Akitoye boarded the British ship HMS Penelope and signed the abolition of the slave trade treaty with John Beecroft and Henry William Bruce (representative of Great Britain). This treaty of January 1, 1852 began the era of consulates in Lagos, under which Lagos enjoyed the military protection of Great Britain.However, the British later annexed Lagos as a colony in 1861. January 1, 1852 will forever remain a historic and memorable day in the history of the Nigerian slave trade.
The following is a copy of the treaty Commander
Henry William Bruce, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Ships and Vessels on the West Coast of Africa, and John Beecroft, Esquire. Her Majesty’s Consul in the Bays of Benin and Biafra, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of England and the King and Chiefs of Lagos and its environs for their part and their country, has accepted the following Articles and Conditions:
Article I
The Export of Slaves abroad to the territories of the King and Chiefs of Lagos is abolished forever; and the king and chiefs of Lagos; and the King and Chiefs of Lagos undertake to make and promulgate a law prohibiting any of their subjects or any person within their jurisdiction from selling or assisting in the sale of any slave for the purpose of conveying him to a foreign country ; and the King and Chiefs of Lagos promise to inflict severe punishment on any person who violates the Law.
Article II
No European or other person shall be permitted to enter the territory of the King and Chiefs of Lagos for the purpose of carrying on the slave trade in any manner; and such houses, shops or buildings of any kind as shall be erected for the purpose of carrying on the slave trade in the territory of the King and Chiefs of Lagos; and if such houses, warehouses or buildings are hereafter erected and the king and chiefs of Lagos fail or are unable to destroy them, they may be destroyed by any British officer employed to suppress the slave trade.
Article III
If it is ever proven that the slave trade took place through or from the territory of the King and the chiefs of Lagos, Great Britain may suppress the slave trade in that territory and British officers may seize the boats of Lagos. who trade slaves everywhere; and the king and chiefs of Lagos will meet with severe displeasure from the king and queen of England.
Article IV
The slaves now detained for the purpose of exportation shall be delivered to any British officer duly authorized to receive them for transportation to a British colony and there for emancipation; and all instruments of the slave trade, as well as barracks and buildings used exclusively for the slave trade, will be destroyed immediately.
Article V
Europeans or other persons currently engaged in the slave trade shall be expelled from the country; Homes, warehouses and buildings previously used as slave factories will be destroyed if not converted for lawful purposes within three months of entering into this Agreement.
Article VI
The subjects of the Queen of England may at all times freely trade with the people of Lagos in all articles which they desire to buy and sell, in all places, ports and rivers of the territories, and with the chiefs of Lagos. and throughout their reign; and the King and Chiefs of Lagos undertake not to grant favors to the ships and merchants of other countries, or to grant privileges which they do not grant to the ships and merchants of England.
Article VII
The King and the Chiefs of Lagos declare that no human being shall at any time be sacrificed for religious or other ceremonies within their territories; and that they would prevent the barbaric practice of killing prisoners of war.
Article VIII
Full protection shall be granted to missionaries or preachers of the Gospel, regardless of their nation or country, who pursue the calling of spreading the knowledge and teachings of Christianity and extending the benefits of civilization throughout the world, according to the leaders of Lagos. These missionaries or clergymen should be encouraged to engage in industry and build houses, schools and chapels. They will not be hindered or disturbed in their efforts to teach the Christian doctrines to all people who want and desire to be taught; and no subject of the King and chiefs of Lagos who embrace the Christian faith shall be in any way molested or harassed on account of it or on account of its doctrine or practice. The king and the leaders of Lagos also agree to provide Christians with land at a reasonable distance from the main cities as a burial site. The funerals and graves of the deceased will not be disturbed under any circumstances or for any reason.
Article IX
In London, May 22, 1845, . In witness to this, we laid our hands and seals at Lagos, on board His Majesty’s ship Penelope, on January 1, 1852.
(L.S. ) H. W. BRUCE
(L.S. ) JOHN BEECROFT
(L.S. ) KING AKITOYE
(L.S. ) ATCHOBOO
(L.S. ) KOSAE