From Freetown To Lagos: The Enduring Legacy Of The Sierra Leonean Settlers
By ADEMOLA OLADEGA AKINSHEMOYIN
The Arrival of the Sierra Leoneans
THE history of Lagos in the mid-19th century is inextricably linked with the arrival of Sierra Leonean settlers, commonly referred to as the Saros. Their migration, which began around 1838 during the reign of Oba Akinsemoyin, occurred almost simultaneously with the influx of Portuguese and Brazilian returnees. Unlike the steady flow of other settlers, the Saros’ arrival was sporadic, shaped by the often harsh reception they received from the reigning Oba of Lagos. By 1841, approximately 250 Sierra Leoneans had settled on the island. However, the political turbulence surrounding Oba Kosoko’s conflict in 1852 prompted a more consistent influx of these settlers from Freetown into Lagos.
The Saro Advantage
What distinguished the Saros from other groups in Lagos was their unique background. Liberated from slavery by British naval patrols, they had never experienced enslavement directly and were therefore free of the burden of purchasing their freedom. Relocated to Freetown, they benefited from missionary-led programs that emphasised Western education and Christian values. This early exposure to Western institutions and moral frameworks equipped the Saros with social, economic, and cultural tools that would later profoundly influence Lagosian society.
Navigating Hostility and Carving Space
The Sierra Leoneans faced immediate challenges on arrival. European traders, seeking to protect their interests, actively obstructed their landing. Orders were given to Krumen canoe crews to disrupt Saros at sea, taking advantage of the settlers’ limited swimming abilities. Yet, despite these obstacles, the Saro population grew to about 2,500 by 1861, coinciding with British annexation of Lagos.
Their elevated material status and European associations distinguished them from local residents. Known colloquially as “Englishmen” by the indigenes, the Saros were viewed with suspicion by both locals and traders. To safeguard themselves and maintain communal cohesion, they sought and received land from Oba Akitoye. Daddy Savage, a leading figure among the settlers, oversaw distribution in what would become the Oke-Olowogbowo district, later referred to as “Saro Town.”
Contributions to Lagosian Society
The Saros’ early exposure to Western education and Christian morality translated into a profound influence on Lagos. Concentrated primarily in Breadfruit and Saro Town areas, they played pioneering roles in religious, educational, political, and economic spheres. Protestant and deeply committed to Christianity, their faith informed their social and civic engagement, with moral and ethical values guiding their contribution to governance and business.
Their presence and industriousness helped position Lagos as a hub of commerce and culture on the West African coast. The Saros, like their Brazilian counterparts, were central to the city’s emergence as a centre of opportunity, trade, and intellectual activity. Over the course of nearly two centuries, the descendants of these settlers became fully integrated into Lagosian society, with enduring claims to local land and civic participation.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Saros’ settlement reflects more than a migratory episode; it demonstrates the intersection of humanitarian interventions, colonial policies, and local governance. Their strategic integration into Lagos not only reshaped the city’s urban and cultural landscape but also established a model for community cohesion under challenging circumstances. Today, the Saro legacy continues to inform Lagosian identity, underscoring the transformative impact of historical migration on West African urban development.
