Sir Bernard Bourdillon, born (1883–1948), was the 5th Governor of Nigeria between (1935–1943) during the British imperialist government rule. He was one of the most liked and respected British colonial administrators because of his unique reputation for his progressive views on race and his active support for indigenous African interests.
His tenure was marked by major landmark events, including the 1939 division of Southern Nigeria into the East and West Provinces; he established the foundation for Nigeria’s federal structure by proposing Regional Councils to increase local indigenous people’s participation in government, and he gave public support against the anti-discriminatory and anti-racial position of the British colonial government.
He was highly regarded and trusted by the Nigerian educated elites and the political class of the era because of his support for the African position on major matters that may limit their competitiveness in the global trade system. Two major Onikoyi chiefs, Chief Abdulahi Ikugbamola Onikoyi (1935–1936) and Chief Ogunlana Onikoyi (1937–1939), became influential and played prominent roles in his administration.The popular and upscale Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi was named in his honor for his great contributions to the growth and development of Ikoyi and Nigeria as a whole.
The Ola-Idewu Onikoyi Family branch 