Members of the prominent Finnih family of Lagos have called on the Lagos State Government to sponsor the documentation of the city’s rich history.
This initiative, they believe, is crucial in dispelling claims that Lagos is “no man’s land” and in preserving the heritage and identity of its indigenous people.
The family made this appeal during a news conference to announce the upcoming launch of a book commemorating the life and legacy of their great-grandfather, Alhaji Buraimoh Afinni, the first Otun Balogun of Lagos Central Mosque.
The event, scheduled for July 25, marks 110 years since Afinni’s passing and aims to celebrate his significant contributions to Lagos society.
Dr. Shola Labinjo, Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasized the importance of preserving Lagos’s history.
“If we don’t know who we are, we are at the risk of extinction,” Labinjo stated. He stressed the need for the government to archive the city’s history to protect the identity of true Lagosians.
“If we do not have our history established, we will be found floating. Many say they are Lagosians but when they die they take them out,” he added, highlighting the historical interconnectedness and intermarriages among the original inhabitants of Lagos.
Labinjo called on the Lagos State Government to take practical steps to address these concerns and ensure that the history of Lagos is documented and preserved for future generations.
This initiative, he argued, would help protect the heritage of Lagosians and counteract the narrative that the city is a place without indigenous roots.
Abiola Lateef Finnih, the publisher of the upcoming book on Alhaji Buraimoh Afinni, echoed Labinjo’s sentiments.
He noted that the true history of Lagos predates the colonial period and should be documented comprehensively.
“The Europeans who made inroads into Lagos gave regards to those who played hosts to them on arrival. It is more sensible to think of the history of any local from its inception where possible or to the farthest back one can go in learning facts about those occupying the place,” Finnih explained.
He emphasised that the history of Lagos includes the stories of the original inhabitants and should not be overshadowed by the colonial narrative.
The efforts of the Afinni family to document their ancestor’s life, he said, should inspire other Lagosian families to do the same.
“Our history resides in every family who have planted their roots in Lagos. It becomes incumbent that the trail we are blazing today will ignite blazes in other families like us to also document their family history before it is too late,” Finnih stated.
Alhaji Buraimoh Afinni, the central figure of the upcoming book, was a prominent figure in Lagos during his time.
Described as a billionaire of his era, Afinni made significant contributions to the development of Lagos, particularly within the Muslim community. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the Lagos Central Mosque and was known for his philanthropic activities.
Lateef highlighted Afinni’s extensive travels to England, France, and Germany, which were remarkable achievements in the early 20th century.
His business ventures in timber and produce made him one of the wealthiest individuals of his time, and he was known for his friendly competition with his contemporaries, such as Alli Balogun.
“They gave stature and respect to the religion and they exemplified what true Muslims should be,” Lateef added, praising Afinni’s contributions to the Muslim community and his role as a leader in central Lagos.
The Finnih family’s appeal to the Lagos State Government is rooted in a desire to see the history of Lagos preserved accurately and comprehensively.
They argue that documenting the history of Lagos from its indigenous roots is essential for understanding the city’s true identity.
This documentation would also serve as a valuable resource for future generations, ensuring that the stories of Lagos’s original inhabitants are not forgotten.
Lateef urged the government to create avenues for families to share their histories and have them archived as part of Lagos’s official historical record.
“Agreed that everybody comes from somewhere else, but a place still belongs to those who have occupied it longest. Lagos belongs to those who had forsaken their origin and fully transplanted to Lagos,” he stated.
As part of the commemoration events, a Jumat service was held at the Central Mosque on July 19, followed by a visit to Afinni’s graveside on July 23 to offer prayers.
The book launch on July 25 will be attended by eminent personalities, further highlighting the importance of recognizing and preserving the history of Lagos and its people.
