His Royal Majesty Ladapo Samuel Ademola II, Alake of Egbaland, made history in 1934 when he stood up to Nazi Germany—and won.
While on a diplomatic visit to Europe, Chief Ademola saw a racist film aired by Germany’s state broadcaster. The documentary insulted African people, showing them as backward and uncivilized. It also mocked African kings and traditions.
Angered by this disrespect, the Alake didn’t stay silent. He hired a legal team and took the case to a court in Berlin. He sued the German broadcaster for defamation, demanding justice for the lies and disrespect shown to Africans.
Against all odds, the court ruled in his favour. The film was banned, and Germany had to issue an official apology.
This bold move showed the world that African leaders had both courage and wisdom. At a time when many still believed in colonial stereotypes, Chief Ademola proved that African dignity could not be ignored.
Today, his brave stand is often forgotten—but he remains one of the few leaders in history to legally defeat Nazi Germany in its own country.
