Welcome to the official digital home of Oto
An Ancient Town of History, A legacy of independence
WELCOME TO OTO TOWN
A HERITAGE OF STRENGTH AND SOVEREIGNTY
Welcome to the official digital home of Oto, an ancient town within the Badagry Division of Lagos State, steeped in history, tradition, and a proud legacy of independence. Nestled in the extreme northwest of the Central Awori Group along the scenic Olooge Lagoon, Oto is more than just a town it is a testament to the resilience of a people whose roots stretch from the ancient Kingdom of Benin to the heart of Lagos State.
THE "DIFFERENT PLACE"
Originally settling at Iga Idoluba near igbesa, Aregi Ope and his kin later sought a permanent home. After a historic land division at Igbo-Ogo, the settlement was named Oto, meaning “The Different Place,” to signify its unique identity and separation from neighboring settlements.
THE OPESEYI LEGACY: PRESERVING THE THRONE
The scion of Aregi Ope and Iworu Oloja continues to define the leadership and character of Oto through the Opeseyi family. The name Opeseyi is synonymous with the preservation of our traditional institutions and the protection of our ancestral lands. One of the most notable figures in our history is Oba Opeseyi Oshoja, who reigned during a critical period of transition (1894–1942). His leadership solidified the family’s role as custodians of the Oto throne. Opeseyi was the son of Oshoja, Oshoja the son of Iworu Oloja, Iworu Oloja the brother of Aregi Ope and Odofin.
FOUNDING FATHERS: AREGI OPE, IWORU OLOJA AND ODOFIN
The history of Oto begins in the 18th century with Aregi Ope. A man of vision and leadership, Aregi Ope migrated to this region alongside his brothers, establishing the foundations of what would become a thriving community.
THE MODERN ERA
As the direct scion of our founding fathers, the Opeseyi royal family stands as a steadfast pillar of tradition and leadership in Oto. Our heritage is rooted in the collective vision of Aregi Ope and his brothers—Iworu, the Oloja, and The Odofin, whose shared journey from Benin laid the very foundation of our town. The family continues to honor the enduring memory of Oba Aregi Ope, Oba Iworu Oloja, Oba Ojolo, Oba Amosu Iworu, Oba Olumidu Bala, Oba Opeseyi Oshoja and Oba Ebenezer Fagbayi Opeseyi, whose significant reign remains a landmark chapter in our history. The Opeseyi name represents the unbroken strength of our origins, preserving the sacred legacy of the founding brothers and fostering a deep sense of pride and unity within the Oto community.
A HISTORY OF ADVOCACY
In 1927, Oba Opeseyi famously led a Supreme Court battle to reclaim the Opeseyi family’s rightful ownership of lands in Morogbo, a victory that still resonates today as a symbol of the family’s commitment to justice and heritage.
