Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed behind-the-scenes efforts by Ijebu leaders to influence decisions during the creation of Ogun State in February 1976.
Ogun and six others were created by the Murtala Muhammed/Olusegun Obasanjo regime in February 1976.
Ten days later, Muhammed was assassinated. Obasanjo succeeded him and handed over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979.
Speaking 49 years after the state’s creation, Obasanjo revealed that Ijebu leaders had requested the late Muhammed to make Sagamu the state capital, instead of Abeokuta.
They contended that Abeokuta faced land limitations, rendering it less ideal for development.
Obasanjo spoke during the induction ceremony and Gala Night of the Egba Legacy Network, which took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Obasanjo, who returned as a civilian president from 1999 to 2007, shared his experience with Muhammed, stating, “During our efforts to create Ogun State, our Ijebu brothers were quite proactive. They argued that we lacked sufficient land and opposed the idea of making Abeokuta the state capital. When it came time for discussion, they suggested Sagamu as their preferred option.
“They argued that we lacked land, which is why it’s called Abeokuta. My superior, Murtala Muhammed, was informed and concurred that Sagamu should be designated as the state capital. He remarked, ‘We are heading in that direction.’ However, I responded to him by saying: ‘If we’re establishing Kano State as well, then Rago ought to be its capital'”.
Obasanjo mentioned that this reply provoked Muhammed, causing him to react angrily.
He confronted me, exclaiming, “How dare you?” To which I responded, “How dare you too?” That’s how the discussion concluded.
Obasanjo encouraged the Egba Legacy Network to record Abeokuta’s rich history and ensure that important figures in the development of Egbaland are acknowledged in their heritage tourism initiatives.
