**Akitoye**
**Definition:**
Akitoye was a 19th-century Yoruba king who ruled Lagos and played a significant role in the region’s history during the period of British colonial expansion.
**Article**
### Early Life and Background
Akitoye was a member of the royal lineage of Lagos, a prominent city-state in present-day Nigeria. He belonged to the House of Ado and was involved in the complex political dynamics of Lagos during the early 1800s.
### Reign as Oba of Lagos
Akitoye first became Oba (king) of Lagos in 1841 after the deposition of his nephew, Oba Kosoko. His reign was marked by efforts to suppress the transatlantic slave trade and to align Lagos more closely with British interests. However, he was temporarily overthrown by Kosoko in 1845.
### Restoration and British Alliance
In 1851, with British military support, Akitoye was restored to the throne. Following his reinstatement, he signed a treaty with the British that abolished the slave trade in Lagos, paving the way for increased British influence and eventual colonial rule.
### Legacy
Akitoye is remembered for his role in ending the slave trade in Lagos and facilitating the city’s transition into a British protectorate. His reign marked a significant turning point in the history of Lagos and the wider Yoruba region.
**Meta Description:**
Akitoye was a 19th-century Oba of Lagos known for his alliance with the British and efforts to end the transatlantic slave trade. His reign influenced the colonial history of Lagos.