According to Vanguard News,Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has disclosed that leaders from the Ijebu region lobbied the then Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, to designate Sagamu as the capital of Ogun State instead of Abeokuta. Obasanjo made this revelation in Abeokuta during the induction ceremony and gala night of the Egba Legacy Network, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. He recounted how Ijebu leaders opposed the decision to make Abeokuta the state capital, arguing that it lacked sufficient land for expansion.
Obasanjo explained that the lobbying efforts had influenced General Murtala Mohammed, who initially agreed that Sagamu should be the capital. He stated that his intervention helped prevent the change, as he questioned the rationale behind the decision. According to him, he challenged Murtala Mohammed’s stance by making an analogy to Kano State, suggesting that if Sagamu could be chosen over Abeokuta, then a less significant area, such as Rago, could also be made the capital of Kano State. This response, he said, led to the discussion being abruptly ended.
The former president emphasized the historical significance of Abeokuta and its suitability as Ogun State’s capital. He noted that the region had long been a center of political and economic activities, making it a logical choice for the state capital. His comments highlighted the power struggles and negotiations that shaped the creation of Ogun State in 1976. He also pointed out that the decision was ultimately based on strategic considerations rather than personal or ethnic biases.
Obasanjo’s remarks provide insight into the political dynamics that shaped Nigeria’s state formation process. His account sheds light on the influence regional leaders had in advocating for their interests and how national leaders navigated these pressures. By revealing this history, Obasanjo underscored the role of political negotiation in governance and development planning. His speech also served as a reminder of the importance of historical context in understanding present-day political and administrative structures.
The event, attended by notable figures from Ogun State and beyond, served as a platform to celebrate the legacy of the Egba people and their contributions to Nigeria’s development. Obasanjo’s speech resonated with attendees, many of whom expressed appreciation for the insights into the state’s history. His revelations added depth to the discussions on leadership, governance, and the significance of preserving historical narratives for future generations.
“They said we don’t have land, that was why it is called Abeokuta. My boss then, Murtala Muhammed, had been briefed and agreed that Sagamu should be the state capital and said we are going that way. I then told him, since we are going to have Kano state, Rago would be the Kano capital.
“He attacked me that how dare me, I said, ‘How you too’. That was how we ended the discussion.”
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