Lagos Welcomes You: The Story of the Three Wise Men

Standing as a monumental sentinel at the entrance of Lagos, the "Welcome to Lagos" statue, popularly known as Aro Meta or the "Three Wise Men," is perhaps the most iconic landmark in Nigeria’s commercial capital. Commissioned in 1991 by the administration of Raji Rasaki and sculpted by the renowned artist Bodun Shodeinde, these 12-foot-tall white granite figures serve as the official reception for travelers entering the city from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Though they are widely called the "Three Wise Men," they specifically represent the Idejo chiefs, who are the traditional land-owning nobility of Lagos Island (Eko).

The statues are rich in cultural symbolism, particularly in their attire and posture. Each chief is draped in a traditional white wrapper (pagn) tied across the shoulder, topped with the distinctive "White Cap" (Akare) that denotes their high-ranking status in the Yoruba traditional hierarchy. Their hands are positioned in a specific ritualized greeting: the right fist is clenched and placed over the left. In Yoruba culture, this symbolizes the supremacy of the right hand associated with strength, blessing, and God over the left, while also conveying a message of peace and communal respect.

​Beyond a simple welcome, local folklore suggests that each of the three chiefs carries a specific warning or piece of advice for newcomers, often referred to as "JJC" (Johnny Just Come). The coded messages are famously interpreted in the Lagosian spirit of "street-smartness": "O gbodo ridin" (Don't be a dummy), "O gbodo suegbe" (Don't be a sluggard), and "O gbodo ya mugun" (Don't be a fool). These interpretations reflect the city's reputation as a high-energy, fast-paced environment where only the alert and resilient thrive.

​The physical positioning of the statues further reinforces their role as greeters. The figure on the right stretches his fist forward into the air, the middle figure holds his fist forward at a slight downward angle, and the figure on the left brings his two fists together. Collectively, these poses represent the various tiers of traditional Eko greetings offered to royalty and honored guests. By placing these symbols of authority at the city's gateway, the monument asserts that while Lagos is a modern megacity, it remains deeply rooted in the ancient traditions and protocols of the Eko people.

Today, Aro Meta is more than just a cluster of statues; it is the visual identity of the "Center of Excellence." It has survived relocations and urban developments, remaining a steadfast symbol of the city's hospitality and its uncompromising demand for excellence. For many Lagosians returning home after a long journey, the sight of the three white-capped chiefs is the definitive signal that they have finally arrived in the vibrant, bustling heart of Nigeria.