A Visionary of the Lagos Muslim Community: Mustapha Adamu Animashaun, 1885-1968

Abstract

The development process of a society can be understood through the study of lives of its inhabitants either as individuals or groups. In this connection, Nigerian historians have produced considerable amount of works on the country\'s local and national leaders. Such works have continued to enhance our knowledge of their roles in, and relevance to the country. While such biographies cut across religio-cultural boundaries, it seems clear that biographies on Muslim personalities, most especially at the local level, deserve more attention. This is why this study is on Mustapha Adamu Animashaun, who influenced the lives of Muslims and non-Muslims alike in Lagos during the first half of the twentieth century. In this study, the birth and educational background of Adamu Animashaun are examined. His life as a publisher, editor and author also receives attention. Furthermore, Adamu Animashaun\'s participation in the crisis of the Muslim Community of the Lagos Central Mosque between 1915 and 1947 is analysed. In addition, the study pays attention to his involvement in the formation of a Muslim political party in Lagos in the 1950s. The study concludes that despite the servile antecedents of Adamu Animashaun, he moved across the social ladder to become a leading personality in Lagos society – a feat achieved through sustained struggle, determination and support of those who shared the same aspiration with him.

Lagos Historical Review, vol. 5 (2005), 22-48