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THE KINGDOM OF LAGOS

The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) in collaboration with the  University of Lagos, hosted the 2026 Lagos Lecture Series in honour of Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, MON, OON, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The event featured the presentation and launch of his book, The Kingdom of Lagos, celebrating his enduring contributions to the history, culture, traditional institutions and political development of Lagos.

The lecture series brought together scholars, researchers and distinguished academics to reflect on the historical heritage of Lagos, democratic governance, political communication and the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge for future generations.

The keynote address, titled “Democracy and the Social Contract: Building Public Trust through Effective Political Communication,” was delivered by Professor Maryam Omolara Quadri.

In her address, Professor Quadri examined the relationship between democracy, public trust and effective political communication, highlighting the importance of citizens’ participation, government accountability and responsive leadership in sustaining democratic governance. She situated the discussion within contemporary democratic challenges, including declining public confidence in political institutions, political polarisation and growing scepticism about electoral processes.

Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi’s publications include Essays and Evidences Relating to Lagos Obaship and Chieftaincies (2019), A Short History of Obaship in Lagos (2020), and his autobiography, Do Not Be a Low Mean Man (2013). His latest book, The Kingdom of Lagos, contributes to the documentation and preservation of Lagos history, traditional institutions and sociopolitical development.

 

The event also featured a panel session comprising distinguished scholars whose expertise spans political science, African studies, mass communication and sociology. The discussions provided an interdisciplinary platform for examining the relationship between politics, communication, social institutions and development.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Abisoye Eleshin, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos. 

The panellists included Professor Kayode Eesuola, Professor Oloruntola Sunday, Professor Jubril Jawando

Together, the keynote address and panel session highlighted the value of interdisciplinary scholarship in understanding the complexities of governance, public trust, communication and social development.