History of Abeokuta
...ds of a council of chiefs which exercises legislative, executive and, to some extent, judicial functions. The president of this council, or ruling chief ---chosen from among the members of the two recognized reigning families--is called the Alake, a word meaning Lord of Ake, Ake being the name of the principal quarter of Abeokuta, after the ancient capital of the Egbas. The Alake exercises little authority apart from his council, the form of government being largely democratic. It is connected to all aforementioned towns by road and also by rail from Lagos and serves as the shipping center for an area in which cacao, palm kernels, and palm oil are produced. Handwoven fabrics are dyed in local factories. Aboeokuta is a lovely place to be, because of its scenery, and t...