A narrative has been shared by a former President about how leaders from Ijebu lobbied the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed to choose Sagamu as the capital of Ogun State when it was established in February 1976.
49 years after the state’s creation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that the Ijebu leaders opposed Abeokuta as the capital, citing land limitations. This disclosure was made during the Egba Legacy Network’s induction ceremony and Gala Night at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Obasanjo recalled the discussions with Gen. Mohammed, mentioning the Ijebu leaders’ argument against Abeokuta and their preference for Sagamu as the state capital due to land availability.
He pointed out the historical context, mentioning the initial naming of the region as Abeokuta Province before the establishment of Ijebu Province.
Despite the Ijebu leaders’ proposal, Obasanjo’s suggestion of Rago as Kano’s capital led to a confrontation with Gen. Mohammed, ending the discussion abruptly.
Obasanjo advised the Egba Legacy Network to document Abeokuta’s history and honor key figures in Egbaland’s development through their heritage tourism project, aiming to boost the city’s tourism potential.
The Osi Apagunpote of Egbaland and Chairman of the Egba Legacy Network, Chief Lai Labode Jnr, urged new inductees to contribute to Abeokuta’s beautification and progress.
The group’s focus on preserving Egbaland’s culture, traditions, and history while recognizing past and present heroes was emphasized, with plans for the Egba History and Heritage Area featuring statues of notable personalities.
Labode outlined the transformation plans for Ibara GRA, Oke-Mosan-Kobape Expressway, and Alake Palace in the initial phase of development.
The Egba Legacy Network, established 18 months ago, comprises professionals dedicated to fostering unity among Egba descendants worldwide for socioeconomic advancement.