The Onigbanjo Legacy
Documenting the lineage of Sheik Muhammad Sanni Alade Onigbanjo, the 2nd Bashorun of Lagos.
Discover and treasure your unique family history
"To be an Onigbanjo is to carry the weight of history with the grace of the future."
Sheik Muhammad Sanni Alade Onigbanjo
2nd Bashorun of Lagos — 1916 to 1924
Sheik Muhammad Sanni Alade Onigbanjo
was one of the most distinguished figures
in the history of Lagos. Appointed as the
2nd Bashorun of Lagos, he served with
wisdom, authority and deep spiritual
conviction during a defining era in the
city’s history.
A man of profound faith and community
leadership, the Sheik built a legacy that
extended far beyond his lifetime. He
fathered 37 children across 13 wives,
each branch of his family carrying forward
the values of honor, resilience and
cultural pride that defined his life.
It is from his roots that the Onigbanjo
lineage grows — across Lagos, Nigeria
and the world.
13
Wives
37
Children
1916
Year Appointed Bashorun
Strong roots, mighty branches: Our Ancestral Legacy
The story of the Onigbanjo family is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the enduring power of heritage. At the heart of our lineage stands Sheik Muhammad Sanni Alade Onigbanjo, a man of profound influence who served as the 2nd Bashorun of Lagos. His life laid the foundation for a family that would grow to span generations and continents.
This digital archive serves as a living tribute to his legacy and the generations that followed, particularly the descendants of his eighth wife, Sinotu. By documenting our history, we ensure that the values of our ancestors—honor, unity, and wisdom—continue to guide us. Whether through the Ijaiye or Iresa connections, we are all part of a larger story that is still being written.
The Onigbanjo name carries the weight of a distinguished Lagosian history. It begins with the towering figure of Sheik Muhammad Sanni Alade Onigbanjo, whose leadership as the 2nd Bashorun of Lagos established a legacy of civic duty and spiritual guidance. His influence was a cornerstone in the foundation of the modern Lagos social fabric, creating a path for his descendants to follow for over a century.
While the Sheik provided the roots, his wives provided the branches. We place a special focus on the lineage of Sinotu, his 8th wife. It is through her strength and the lives of her children that this specific branch of the family flourished. Whether your connection stems from the Ijaiye or Iresa side, you are a vital part of this unfolding story.
This website is more than just a family tree; it is a digital sanctuary for our shared memory. In an era of rapid change, we are committed to ensuring that the names, faces, and stories of our ancestors are not lost to time. We invite every descendant to explore, contribute, and help us complete the picture of the Onigbanjo legacy.
The Matriarch: Sinotu
- Born: July 29, 1912
- Die: August 15, 1993
In the grand tapestry of the Onigbanjo lineage, Sinotu holds a place of profound honor. As the eighth wife of Sheik Muhammad Sanni Alade Onigbanjo, she was not only a companion to the 2nd Bashorun of Lagos but a foundational pillar for the family branches we celebrate today.
Her legacy is carried forward through the lives of her children and the countless descendants who now span the globe. She represents the strength, grace, and maternal wisdom that has kept our family bonded for over a century. This section of our archive is dedicated to uncovering her story, her character, and the lasting impact she made on the Onigbanjo name
A mother's legacy is the heartbeat that keeps a family's history alive.
Connect with family to discover more.
Sheik Muhammad Sanni Alade Onigbanjo served as the 2nd Bashorun of Lagos from 1916 to 1924. The Bashorun is one of the most senior traditional chieftaincy titles in Lagos, representing a position of significant civic, spiritual and political authority within the Yoruba community.
The Sheik was a man of profound faith and community leadership whose influence extended far beyond his official tenure. He fathered 37 children across 13 wives — Animotu Sie, Wulemotu, Abibatu, Yesowo Asimowu, Aminotu, Ajaratu, Ramotu Arodu, Sinotu, Sinobu, Saudatu, Ramotu, Aminotu Omope and Awusetu — building a household that would grow into one of Lagos’s most distinguished lineages.
His descendants today number in the hundreds, spread across Nigeria and the world, all tracing their roots back to this one remarkable man.
To maintain the integrity of the Onigbanjo Ancestral Tree, we cross-reference all new submissions with existing historical records and oral traditions held by family elders. If you are unsure of your direct link, we recommend starting with your parents’ or grandparents’ full names and their known family branch (Iresa or Ijaiye). You can then use our ‘Contribute Data’ form to submit what you know, and our archive team will help verify the connection.
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."
Homemade happiness
A time for family
Strongest bond
Homemade happiness
A time for family
Strongest bond
