News

How Ijebu Lobbied Murtala To Have Ogun State Capital In Sagamu – Obasanjo

Published

10 months ago

February 2, 2025

Former Nigeria’s President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that leaders of Ijebu lobbied the then Nigeria’s Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, to have the capital of Ogun State in Sagamu.

According to Obasanjo, who spoke in Abeokuta at the induction ceremony and gala night of Egba Legacy Network, held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, revealed how the leaders of Ijebu in Ogun East senatorial district kicked against naming Abeokuta as the capital of Ogun State.

He recalled how he confronted General Murtala to make Abeokuta the state capital.

Obasanjo said, “When we wanted to establish Ogun State, our brothers from Ijebu did their exercise very well, they said we don’t have land and they did campaign against the capital of the state to be cited in Abeokuta. When we got to the table of discussion, they said Sagamu should be headquarters of Ogun State.

“This place we called Ogun State, before 1932 it was named Abeokuta province, including Ijebu. When Ijebu province was to be established, it was DO that was in Ijebu.

“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.”

He, therefore, charged the leadership of Egba Legacy Network to trace the historical background of the ancient Abeokuta cities and ensure that notable personalities involved in the development of Egbaland were given recognition in their heritage tourist project.

He urged them to take advantage of Abeokuta proximity to Lagos by ensuring the ancient town become a tourist attraction.

Earlier, the Osi Apagunpote of Egbaland and Chairman of the Egba Legacy Network, Chief Lai Labode Jnr., said the motive of the association was in a bid to retain the good memories of Egbas culture, traditions, and past, and present heroes of Egbaland.

According to him, part of the projects the group wanted to embark upon is the Egba history and heritage areas where statue of iconic Egba sons and daughters like Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Prof. Saburi Biobaku, Madam Efunroye Tinubu, Fela Anikulapo, Chief Beko Ransome Kuti, Chief MKO Abiola, Ayinla Omowura and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo would be engraved to beautify the towns.

Lai Labode highlighted Ibara GRA, Oke-mosan-Kobape expressway and Alake Palace as areas that will witness the first phase of the historic turnaround.

The Osi Apagunpote Lai Labode explained that the group made up of professional like-minds was founded 18 months ago to unify all Egba sons and daughters of social networks both home and diaspora.

He charged the new inductees to live up to expectations and join hands with the leaders of the group and Egbaland to facilitate a development roadmap that will beautify the town.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

5 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

5 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.