Individuality, Status and Social Change: Oshodi Tapa and the Lagos Consulate

Abstract

This paper argues that every society, no matter the historical time period in which it exists, undergoes changes that require every of its members to understand the constantly changing dynamics of inclusion and the statusbuilding and enhancing mechanisms available. Analysing Oshodi Tapa’s individuality, the paper presents the factors that shaped his role in the evolving colonial Lagos society of his time. It concludes that an underdog’s capability to affect society derives from the opportunities presented by the society involved and those accessed and utilised by the individual.