On 1 January 1852 Akitoye signed the Treaty between Great Britain and Lagos abolishing the slave trade.
Kosoko fled to Epe and built up an independent base with about 400 warriors and mounted multiple attacks on Lagos; one on 5 August 1853 and another on 11 August 1853 which came dangerously close to the Oba's palace but was rebuffed just in time by a burst of fire from the British naval force under Commander Phillips of HMS Polyphemus.
In the big picture, however, the Lagos throne remained out of reach with Akitoye and Dosunmu's descendants firmly rooted.
Kosoko his Caboceers and Chiefs solemnly pledge themselves to make no attempt to regain possession of Lagos either by threats, hostilities or stratagem
Kosoko his Caboceers and Chiefs claim Palma, as their port of trade, and Benjamin Campbell Esquire Her Brittanic Majesty's Consul, and Thomas Miller Esquire Commander and Senior Naval Officer in the Bights, engage to recognize Palma, as the port of Kosoko and his Caboceers and Chiefs, for all purposes of legitimate trade.
Kosoko his Caboceers and Chiefs solemnly bind themselves to give every protection and assistance to such merchants and traders as may wish to reside among them for the purpose of carrying on legitimate trade – also to assist her Brittanic Majesty's Consul to reopen markets on the Jaboo shore viz Agienu, Ecorodu, and Aboyee, and in maintaining order and security at those markets.
Signed up the Lagoon at Appe this 28th day of September 1854 Kosoko X Oloosema X Oloto X Pelleu X Agenia X Bosoopo X Agagoo X Obatchi X Whydobah X Bagaloo X Apsee X Oleesau X Ettee X Lomosa X Otcheodee X B. Campbell (Her Brittanic Majesty's Consul for the Bight of Benin) Thos.