Brief History of Bariga

 

'Bariga is said to have had twelve communities with the early settlers who arrived in the area around 1630 AD' 

History has it that the early settlers were from Ife Awori who settled in Bariga in the 17th century, and were mostly fishermen, hence their need to be close to the river and many other settlers like the Ilajes and others also settled in the area at that time birthing twelve villages with their respective Baales who were controlled by the Oba of Shomolu. 

The then town chose its Oba from the twelve villages, which were Abule Okuta, Bariga, Apaleyin, Mafo Owoku, Obanikoro, Adaranijo, Pedro, Aiyetoro, Felodun, Owode, Isale Akoka, and Ilaje. History also has it that in Bariga's 389-year existence, it had only been able to produce three Obas, the first being Oba Lamidi Soberu from Abule Okuta, the second, from Shomolu central and the present Oba of Shomolu, Oba Kassim Olu.

Fast track to the modern times, Bariga was formerly under the Somolu local government area of Lagos State up until the year 2013 when it was changed by the State government to a Local Council Development Area. The local government secretariat is located at 19, Bawala street, Pedro Bariga Lagos. Bariga can be accessed easily from the following axis; Shomolu, Oworonshoki, Bariga Road, Gbagada, or through Ifako Road. 

While some people settle in the downtown part of Bariga near the region along the third mainland bridge where it has become undone and the prevalence of crime is high, Most people settle at Uptown Bariga; this part certainly is more conducive and crime-free. The Up-town Bariga starts from Odunsi road all the way up to Bariga market road, to Ilaje up till Akoka. Residential buildings located down off Odunsi road are downtown Bariga hosting popular streets like Arobadade, Alhaja Alimi, Ayedun, Araromi, etc.

Bariga as well known by most people to be one of the dreaded and most feared district suburbs in Lagos Nigeria is also a place to reckon with for its residents' survival instinct – the will to push through against all odds. This trait has brought so many from the dark clouds of the slum to the limelight where they excel and are recognized by the world today. Most of which are Abolore Akande also known as 9ice, Olamide Oyedeji a big music star in the Nigeria music industry who brands himself as OLAMIDE, Ololade Keshiro, popularly known as Lil Kesh, Qudus David, a fast-rising star popularly known as Q.d, Olowu Taiwo popularly known as Eltee Skillz, a son of the late veteran actress, Henrietta, and Jide Kosoko amongst others.

Asides from individuals who rose above all odds in the suburb or slums of  Bariga, there are also  prestigious institutions located in Bariga which are historical and has put Bariga on a spot of recognition, institutions like the CMS Grammar School which is the oldest school in Nigeria, was birthed in Bariga together with some other notable schools such as Methodist boys high school, Ajayi Crowther, Bishop Howels memorial school, etc. and also the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) is also located in Bariga

Bariga is indeed at this time a beautiful and historical place to behold,  despite all of the bad associated with it, interestingly, the scars it sustained over the years of its existence have become part of its essence of beauty and resilience.