Abeokuta, Ogun State – Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has revealed how leaders from the Ijebu region lobbied the late Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, to designate Sagamu as the capital of Ogun State during its creation. Obasanjo made the disclosure during the induction ceremony and gala night of the Egba Legacy Network, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Obasanjo recounted how Ijebu leaders in the Ogun East senatorial district opposed Abeokuta as the state capital, arguing that the area lacked sufficient land. He stated that the Ijebu leaders campaigned vigorously for Sagamu to be named the state capital instead.
“When we wanted to establish Ogun State, our brothers from Ijebu did their exercise very well. They said we don’t have land and campaigned against Abeokuta being the capital. During discussions, they insisted that Sagamu should be the headquarters of Ogun State,” Obasanjo explained.
The former president recalled challenging General Murtala Mohammed’s initial agreement with the Ijebu proposal. “My boss, Murtala Mohammed, had been briefed and agreed that Sagamu should be the state capital. I then told him, ‘If we are going to have Kano State, Rago would be the Kano capital.’ He attacked me, asking how dare I, and I responded, ‘How you too.’ That was how we ended the discussion,” Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo emphasized the historical significance of Abeokuta, noting that the area was known as Abeokuta Province before 1932, encompassing Ijebu. He urged the Egba Legacy Network to document the historical background of Abeokuta and ensure that notable personalities who contributed to the development of Egbaland are recognized in their heritage tourist project.
He also encouraged the network to leverage Abeokuta’s proximity to Lagos to transform the ancient town into a major tourist destination.
Earlier in the event, Chief Lai Labode Jnr., the Osi Apagunpote of Egbaland and Chairman of the Egba Legacy Network, outlined the group’s mission to preserve Egba culture, traditions, and the legacies of past and present heroes. He revealed plans to erect statues of iconic Egba figures, including Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Prof. Saburi Biobaku, Madam Efunroye Tinubu, Fela Anikulapo, Chief Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chief MKO Abiola, Ayinla Omowura, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as part of a heritage project.
Labode highlighted key areas such as Ibara GRA, OOke-Mosan-KobapeExpressway, and the Alake Palace as focal points for the first phase of the initiative. He called on new inductees to collaborate with the group’s leadership to drive development and enhance Abeokuta’s appeal as a historic and cultural hub.
The Egba Legacy Network, founded 18 months ago, aims to unite Egba sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to promote the development and preservation of Egbaland’s rich heritage.
