8 - Actors and Institutions in Urban Politics in Nigeria: Agege (Lagos) Since the 1950s

Abstract

Unlike Lagos Island and Mushin, for example, Agege, a multi-ethnic and densely populated ward of metropolitan Lagos (originally an autonomous settlement, has suffered relative neglect in the extensive literature on Lagos. This article analyses the dynamics of power relations among the various interest groups, personalities and institutions in this ‘ward’ of Lagos since the 1950s. Combining chronological and thematic approaches, it outlines the evolution of the commu- nity and its local government system since the nineteenth century, examines the interactions of traditional and modern institutions (chieftaincy and modern po- litical offices at the local government level), the dynamics of inter-tier (state– local government) relations, the composition and activities of interest groups (specifically, religious, occupational, ethnic, youth and residential associations), and the management of common facilities (markets) and problems (communal conflict and insecurity). The study co pares Agege with a similar ward, Ajegunle, which this author has also studied.