Lagos was annexed by the British on 6th August, 1861 and was declared a Colony on the 5th of March, 1862 after the signing of the Lagos Treaty of Cessation. In effect, the powers of Oba Dosumu of Lagos were reduced. A British Consul, William McCoskry was appointed the acting governor of Lagos. The Lagos colony was protected and governed directly from Britain. During this period, Africans born in the Lagos Colony were regarded as British subjects. They enjoyed certain privileges such as access to courts and a small legislative council which had the mandate of assisting and advising the governor. The British established the Lagos Town Improvement Ordinance, which…