I was in secondary school in Akure, Ondo State, when states were created in Western Nigeria.
Our electrical shop was a hub for Egbas, Ijebus, and other Ogun indigenes, who gathered to play the game of Draughts and to discuss life. When the announcement came, excitement erupted, and applause filled the air. Even bystanders from nearby houses and Ondo State indigenes joined in, creating a joyful atmosphere. I was thrilled to hear Abeokuta mentioned, and I paid close attention to the optimistic discussions.
However, a seasoned draught player, Baba Ijebu, threw a spanner in the works, saying, “Ijebu Ode should have been the capital, not Abeokuta.” This sparked a heated debate, with camps forming and arguments flying to left and right.
Unfortunately for Baba Ijebu, there were more Egbas present that day, and other Akure natives supported Abeokuta. As a teenager, I was elated that our town was supported to win the argument. Many people mentioned above as attendees at our game centre were soldiers and Yorubas, they said fingered Obasanjo’s connection, and his contributions to the state creation. The connection to our Owu indigene roots in Abeokuta was crystal clear.
The next day, I proudly announced to my school friends that our town, Abeokuta, was now a state capital, armed with knowledge gathered from the previous night’s discussions.
Happy 50th birthday, Ogun State, with Abeokuta as its capital!
-Chief Abiodun Lasile DL MnbR
Orunto Baalufe Owu Kingdom Abeokuta
