Welcome to Ikoyi FC, Lagos.

Ikoyi - “the Beverly Hills by the slums” - is arguably the most affluent neighborhood of Lagos State and one of the wealthiest in Nigeria. It lies to the northwest of Obalende and adjoins Lagos Island to the West bordered by the Lagos Lagoon. It is home to the upper class in Nigeria.

In history, Ikoyi developed as a sparsely inhabited area as it provided farming land and a hunting ground for the increasing population of Lagos.

The major farming area was known at the time as “Oko Alagbon” (Coconut Plantation) and the area which is currently the grounds for the Polo Club; both of which were notable fruit cultivation centres.

However with the advent of the British colonialism and their occupation of Lagos, the need for more land to absorb the corporation of British officers and also the influx of senior Nigerian civil servants during the early years of Amalgamation led to the acquisition of

more land for settlement and development.The swamps of Obalende, Apapa, North-East Ikoyi, McEwen and Eleshin were revamped and developed for the purpose. With the development of these areas came the need for better sanitary conditions so Governor Macgregor’s administration drained the Okokomaiko swamp (North-East Ikoyi) and cut a canal through Lagos island from the north to the south thus separating Lagos Island from Ikoyi. The canal was named “Sir Macgregor Canal” in honour of the governor himself.

Ikoyi as a locality is synonymous with seat of government in Nigeria. First during the colonial era, Ikoyi was separated as a residential cantonment for the expatriate British community and still retains many of the large colonial residences built between 1900 and 1950. It was the Government Reservation Area (GRA). This was as a result of a policy that was passed to separate the residential areas of Europeans from the natives, which was in place until the early years of Nigeria’s independence. Ikoyi, originally a continuous land mass with Lagos Island, was separated from it by the ‘MacGregor canal’, a narrow waterway that was dug by the British colonial government. This canal has now been built over or filled in, so that the island is fused with Lagos Island once again

Secondly, between July 1966 and December 1991, Ikoyi served as the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria - at the renowned “Dodan Barracks”

In the 1920s and 1930s, about 250 acres of land within South West Ikoyi and Obalende were reclaimed and redeveloped. The scheme also led to the redevelopment of a road to connect Onikan with Bourdillon Rd.

Upmarket residential properties continued to be built after the colonial period, and the Island and its Dodan Barracks became the residence of some of Nigeria's military rulers. Ikoyi now contains many other government buildings as well as businesses, hotels, schools.

Today, Ikoyi has grown to be one of the best-planned low-density areas of Lagos state. It is the cynosure of eyes and the top favourite for top government functionaries, barons of industries and expatriate businessmen and women with its serene and green environment.

A major attraction in Ikoyi is Awolowo Road, named after Chief Obafemi Awolowo, arguably the most profound Nigerian leader who never ruled the country. The road is totally high-street, lined with upscale shops and boutiques. Due to its proximity to Victoria Island and Lagos Island, much of Lagos's business tourism is centred on Ikoyi, which has a mix of excellent 4-star hotels. It is home to the expatriate staffs of several oil companies operating in Nigeria till date and as such home to several large luxury apartments, estates, and upscale office developments.

Aside Dodan Barrakcs, Ikoyi is the home to the top-echelon of society conclaves - the duo of Ikoyi Club and Ikoyi Golf Club - both revered confluences of business magnates and political big-weights.

The Lagos Preparatory & Secondary School (LPSS), (13+), regarded as Africa's most highly accredited British School, is located in Ikoyi.

On November 1, 2021, a 21-storey building on Gerrard Road collapsed during its construction killing several workers.

The culture of Ikoyi is simply in its opulent neighborhoods, stunning homes, and upscale facilities. Ikoyi is distinguished from the busy activity of many other districts of Lagos by its blend of luxury and tranquility, serenity and acute security. It is renowned for its affluent residential neighborhoods, abundant greenery, and immaculate streets, which combine to create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The rich expatriate population of time past and present leave its mark on the culture, which is eclectic and reflects both traditional Nigerian characteristics and outside influences. Ikoyi feels distinctively cosmopolitan because of this combination.

From the ‘Belgravia of Lagos’, Ikoyi , comes the Ikoyi Football Club.!