Ogun at 50: A Continuing Catalyst for Nigeria’s Advancement

Even as Nigeria’s global standing has faced challenges due to economic and security issues, visitors to the country often wish to meet two prominent figures residing in Ogun State. Both figures reside in the same town, albeit their friendship is not particularly close.

Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, is the residence of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the longest-serving leader in Nigeria. He has served a total of 11 years, 7 months, and 16 days through his roles as both military ruler and elected president. Additionally, it is home to Africa’s first Nobel laureate, Prof. Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka. Both individuals occupy expansive estates in different areas of the historic town, which attract tourists and promise worthwhile exploration.

Obasanjo’s well-structured Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library is unique in Africa as a memorial and museum regarding his life, including aspects of his imprisonment. In contrast, Soyinka’s home in the ijegba forest features a similar museum and art gallery showcasing exquisite and original artistic works across various media.

The presence of Obasanjo and Soyinka encapsulates the importance of Ogun State, currently celebrating its golden jubilee on February 3, 2026. This moment has personal resonance, as I previously wrote about the state’s 40th anniversary a decade ago. Reflecting on my experiences during this period reveals ample reasons to rejoice over this milestone in Ogun’s history.

Ogun State was formed from the amalgamation of two provinces, Ijebu and Egba, taken from the former Western State, which itself was part of the Western Region established during the First Republic. Created on February 3, 1976, by the Murtala-Obasanjo regime, Ogun is one of the original 19 states that have remained unchanged. While Nigeria now comprises 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, Ogun's territorial integrity remains, making it one of the few states untouched since its creation, alongside Lagos, which predates the 1976 exercise. The remaining 17 states have undergone various alterations.

I recall the festive atmosphere in Abeokuta when General Murtala Muhammed announced the creation of new states, mere days before his assassination, as I awaited my tenth birthday as a primary school pupil. Back then, the areas forming Ogun State reflected a traditional society.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has considerably transformed. Ogun is now recognized as one of Nigeria’s most industrialized states. While Lagos continues to be the main economic center for finance, technology, entertainment, and trade, Ogun is an important manufacturing hub, featuring significant zones such as the Agbara Industrial Estate and corridors along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that draw global businesses and leverage their proximity to Lagos. Together, they produce over half of Nigeria’s industrial output, with Ogun providing essential space and infrastructure for large-scale manufacturing, establishing a robust partnership.

In Nigeria’s federal structure, Ogun can be likened to New Jersey’s relationship with New York; it offers a preferable environment for work, residence, and recreation. This is a notable achievement for the state over the past 50 years, indicating that successive governments should enhance infrastructure development in industrial hubs like Agbara, Ota, Sagamu, Mowe, and Ibafo.

In previous years, Ogun State missed a major opportunity to develop the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway corridor into a prime real estate zone that could have fostered a highly organized urban community comparable to some of the finest in Lagos. With better foresight, that region could have evolved into a new town of luxury, attracting high-profile individuals fleeing Lagos's notorious congestion, similar to the new towns created to alleviate population demands in Cairo.

Ogun's economic relevance is further emphasized by its border with Benin Republic, linking Nigeria to West Africa.

Currently, Ogun State stands as Nigeria's educational capital, boasting more tertiary institutions—over 50, including more than 20 universities—than any other state. It is often referred to as Nigeria’s Cambridge and Massachusetts due to its historical significance in the country's early exposure to modern education.

The capital city was the first in Nigeria to establish a modern governance structure with the Egba United Government (EUG) formed in 1893. The British formally recognized it in 1898, prior to Nigeria's amalgamation in 1914. The EUG was notably efficient; it even initiated a water corporation to provide piped water for its citizens by 1914.

Abeokuta is also noteworthy for being the birthplace of the first newspaper in Nigeria, established in 1859 by Reverend Henry Townsend, named Iwe Iroyin fun Awon Ara Egba ati Yoruba, serving both the English and Yoruba-speaking populations. The state has produced numerous influential figures and remains the birthplace of several pioneers, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent architect of modern Nigeria.

Ogun continues to contribute to the entertainment and sports sectors, with many successful individuals from the state such as Ayodeji Balogun, known as Wizkid, musician Femi Kuti, boxing champion Anthony Joshua, and track star Tobi Amusan. Economic heavyweights like Mike Adenuga of Globacom and Adebayo Ogunlesi, chair of Global Infrastructure Partners, hail from Ogun.

In the context of Nigeria's current democracy, Ogun State has been uniquely positioned, yielding a President, a Vice President, and a Speaker of the House of Representatives—all pivotal figures in the nation's leadership.

While numerous advancements have marked Ogun’s journey, it’s vital to acknowledge the ongoing discourse about possibilities for enhancement.

Over 50 years, 10 military leaders governed the state for a combined total of 14 years and 2 months, while 5 elected civil leaders have steered it for 36 years and 10 months. The effectiveness of these governors in improving the state's development remains a matter for interpretation. However, former Governor Onabanjo played a vital role in enhancing educational and healthcare services without costs during his tenure, adhering to the ideals of his political party. He undertook remarkable infrastructure projects including major markets and Ogun State University, among others.

Governor Osoba initiated substantial rural developments, ensuring electrification and constructing roads to improve connectivity. Daniel focused on creating economic infrastructures, such as the Tai Solarin University of Education and the Olokola seaport, while Amosun prioritized infrastructure, enabling urban renewal across the state.

Current Governor Abiodun has made strides in mass housing, road improvements, and other significant infrastructure projects, enhancing federal presence. His administration is on track to mark a historic record for road construction despite facing criticism regarding its execution.

Recently, the governor announced plans to celebrate the state’s 50th anniversary by inaugurating two new road projects weekly over the next two months.

Notably, it is striking that none of the elected governors have had peaceful transitions with their successors. The past transitions have been marked by hostility, creating an atmosphere unsuitable for smooth handovers.

As we approach the next electoral cycle, uncertainty looms over whether history will repeat itself or if a new precedent will be established. Nonetheless, Abiodun has expressed commitment to ensuring a seamless transition to his successor.

This anniversary aligns with Abiodun’s administration nearing its final 16 months in office. It is fortunate that this significant milestone occurs under his leadership, serving as an impetus for heightened governance standards as his term concludes.

Congratulations to the people of Ogun State on this golden jubilee.