Ashipa

Ashipa, the first Oba of Lagos, whom all Obas of Lagos trace their lineage to, was a war captain of the Oba of Benin. Ashipa was rewarded with title of Head War Chief/Oloriogun and received the Oba of Benin's sanction to govern Lagos.Some Benin accounts of history have the Ashipa as son or grandson of the Oba of Benin. Other accounts note that Ashipa is a Yoruba corruption of the Benin name Aisika-hienbore (translated "we shall not desert this place").

Ashipa received a sword and royal drum as symbols of his authority from the Oba of Benin on his mission to Lagos. Additionally, the Oba of Benin deployed a group of Benin officers charged with preserving Benin's interests in Lagos. These officers, led by Eletu Odibo, were the initial members of the Akarigbere class of Lagos White Cap Chiefs.