BoldNEWS Africa (online Monitoring Team)
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Abeokuta, Ogun State – February 2, 2025 .
Nearly five decades after the creation of Ogun State, a former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, shed light on the political maneuverings that shaped the state’s capital. Speaking at the induction ceremony and Gala Night of the Egba Legacy Network, Obasanjo revealed that the leaders from the Ijebu region of Ogun East had initially opposed Abeokuta becoming the state capital.
In his remarks, Obasanjo recounted how Ijebu leaders lobbied the then-military Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, to establish Sagamu as the capital instead. They argued that Abeokuta lacked sufficient land for development, which prompted the Ijebu leaders to advocate for Sagamu.
“When we wanted to establish Ogun State, our brothers from Ijebu did their exercise very well,” Obasanjo explained. “They said we don’t have land and campaigned against the capital being in Abeokuta. They proposed Sagamu should be the state’s headquarters.”
Obasanjo, who served as an influential figure in the creation of the state, recalled confronting General Murtala Mohammed over the issue. “When we got to the table of discussion, they said Sagamu should be the headquarters of Ogun State. My boss, Murtala Muhammed, had been briefed and agreed to this,” Obasanjo said. “I then told him, that since we are going to have Kano State, Rago would be the Kano capital.”
The confrontation between Obasanjo and Mohammed, as described by the former president, was tense. “He attacked me and said, ‘How dare you?’ I said, ‘How dare you too.’ That was how we ended the discussion,” Obasanjo added.
This revelation on the political undercurrents of Ogun State’s formation came as part of the Egba Legacy Network’s celebration of the historical and cultural significance of Egbaland. Obasanjo called on the group to ensure that the region’s heritage, particularly the notable figures who contributed to the development of Egbaland, is adequately honored.
He urged the Egba Legacy Network to leverage Abeokuta’s proximity to Lagos to make the town a thriving tourist hub, encouraging them to trace the historical backgrounds of ancient Abeokuta cities and highlight the contributions of past heroes to the region.
The Chairman of the Egba Legacy Network, Chief Lai Labode Jnr, in his address, emphasized the group’s mission to preserve the rich cultural history of the Egba people. He stressed the importance of uniting all Egba sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to work together for the development of Egbaland.
Labode also shared the group’s plans for a series of heritage projects, including the creation of statues to honor prominent figures from Egbaland such as Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Prof. Saburi Biobaku, Madam Efunroye Tinubu, and others. These efforts, he said, would help beautify key areas like Ibara GRA, Oke-Mosan-Kobape expressway, and the Alake Palace, with the first phase of the transformation focusing on these landmarks.
Founded 18 months ago, the Egba Legacy Network is dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture, history, and traditions of the Egba people, both locally and globally.
As Ogun State celebrates its 49th anniversary, these reflections from Obasanjo offer a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes politicking that helped shape the state’s identity—a reminder of the complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political forces that continue to influence the region’s development.
