It is located along the ancient slave Coast of West Africa, now known as the Bight of Benin. By 1600s this ancient city had become a thriving community reputed for trade in salt and saltpetre by evaporation at Gberefu ancient-beach slave port of Badagry. But this legitimate trade soon gave way to the obnoxious slave trade and for four hundred years, slave trade dominated all other interests in Badagry. It became host to European slave traders led by George Freemingo, a Portuguese slave merchant who came to Badagry around 1660s. By 1740 Badagry had become a thriving town for its sole industry - the slave trade courtesy of the Europeans and Americas. Exporting through the creeks and lagoon and accross Atlantic to Europe and America. The French established themselves under Chief Jegen of Awhanjgoh quarter, the Portuguese under King Akran of Jegba quarter, English under Chief Wawu of Ahovokoh quarter, while the Dutch established themselves Possu of Possukoh quarter, the Brazillians traded with Chief Mobbee of Boekoh quarter. Apart from the ancient city of Badagry, there are over 200 rural communities adjoining the ancient city. Some of the prominent ones are Apa, Ajido, Kweme, Ibereko, Iworo, Ilogbo, Ikoga, Igborosun, Ilado, Imeke, Topo-Idale, Aradagun, Toga, Ajara, Imeke, Gbaji-Yekke, Ganyaingbo, Koga, Pota, Tohun, Erikiti, Mosafejo, Iragbo, Wesere; there are few more...
The British Flag (UNION JACK) was first hoisted on the soil of Badagry in 1842 as symbol of Authority to stop the slave trade. Wester Education in Nigeria took its root in Nigeria with the establishment of the first elementary school called the "infant of the church" in 1843 by the church Missionary Society (CMS). The architectural evolution of Nigeria started in Badagry with the first story building constructed in 1843 by Rev. Golmer as a vicarage for early Weslaya missionaries now Anglican. Badagry is home to many inventions brought in by the missionaries, like: the first agricultural school, established by the Catholic missionaries on Topo Island in 1876. The first Teachers Training College in Nigeria was also established on Topo Island Badagry by the Roman Catholic missionaries in 1893.
