Featured
Obasanjo reveals lobbying for Sagamu as Ogun’s capital, defends Abeokuta’s selection
DDM News

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has disclosed that leaders from the Ijebu region lobbied General Murtala Mohammed, the then Head of State, to make Sagamu the capital of Ogun State instead of Abeokuta.
Obasanjo made this revelation during the induction ceremony and gala night of the Egba Legacy Network at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta monitored by Diaspora digital media (DDM)
Obasanjo recounted how Ijebu leaders strongly opposed the selection of Abeokuta as the state capital, arguing that the city lacked sufficient land for expansion.
According to him, these lobbying efforts initially convinced General Murtala Mohammed to favor Sagamu as the capital.
However, Obasanjo’s intervention played a pivotal role in halting the change.
The former president explained that he questioned the reasoning behind Mohammed’s decision, particularly challenging the logic of choosing Sagamu over Abeokuta.
He made an analogy with Kano State, suggesting that if Sagamu could be selected over Abeokuta, then a less significant area, such as Rago, could also be made the capital of Kano.
Obasanjo’s response struck a chord with General Mohammed, leading him to end the discussion abruptly.
“He attacked me that how dare I,” Obasanjo said, recalling the tense exchange.
“I said, ‘How you too’,” he added, underscoring how his firm stance influenced the outcome.
The former president emphasized the historical significance of Abeokuta and its appropriateness as the capital of Ogun State.
He argued that Abeokuta, as a long-established center of political and economic activity, naturally qualified as the state capital.
Obasanjo pointed out that the selection of the capital was ultimately based on strategic considerations, rather than personal or ethnic biases.
His comments shed light on the intricate political negotiations that shaped the formation of Ogun State in 1976.
Obasanjo reflected on the power struggles between regional leaders and the national government, which played a critical role in decisions regarding state capitals.
He acknowledged that, while regional interests were a driving force, national leaders like Mohammed had to weigh these factors in their decisions.
Obasanjo’s account provides valuable insight into the political dynamics of Nigeria’s state formation process.
His recollections illustrate how regional leaders exerted influence in advocating for their preferred locations, and how national leaders navigated these pressures.
By sharing this history, Obasanjo underscored the importance of political negotiation and compromise in governance.
At the same time, Obasanjo reminded attendees of the significance of understanding the historical context in shaping Nigeria’s political and administrative systems.
He stressed that historical narratives play an essential role in informing present-day decisions and guiding future leadership.
Obasanjo’s speech was well-received by the audience, many of whom were from Ogun State.
They expressed appreciation for his insights into the state’s history and his reflections on the broader political landscape.
His remarks not only resonated with the attendees but also sparked discussions on leadership, governance, and the preservation of historical legacies.
The Egba Legacy Network event, which gathered notable figures from Ogun State and beyond, served as an important platform to celebrate the contributions of the Egba people to Nigeria’s development.
Obasanjo’s revelations added depth to the evening’s discussions, providing a richer understanding of Ogun State’s political history.
In his speech, Obasanjo also spoke to the importance of maintaining historical accuracy.
His efforts to preserve these stories and share them with younger generations were emphasized as critical to ensuring that future leaders can learn from the past.
“The importance of historical context in understanding governance cannot be overstated,” Obasanjo concluded.
As the night unfolded, Obasanjo’s personal account of the debate over Ogun’s capital, coupled with his reflections on political leadership and legacy, left a lasting impression on the attendees.
His narrative not only illuminated the intricate history behind Ogun State’s creation but also reinforced the vital role of history in shaping Nigeria’s political trajectory.
Please share……. thanks you…God bless you
For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook