Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the recognition and promotion of key historical sites in Abeokuta, Ogun State, including the Iwe Iroyin House, where Nigeria’s first newspaper was published in December 1859 by British missionary Rev. Henry Townsend.
Obasanjo made the appeal on Sunday while hosting organisers of the Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition in Egbaland. He also urged that similar recognition be extended to other notable sites, including the residence of Efunsetan Aniwura, a former Iyalode of Ibadan; Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s two-storey building near Akin Olugbade Hospital; her burial ground at Gbagura; the old Ibara Railway Station; and the first flyover in Abeokuta.
The former president stressed the need to showcase prominent Egba figures such as the Ransome-Kutis, Toye Cokers, Majekodunmis, and M.K.O. Abiola, as well as institutions like Abeokuta Grammar School, to preserve the cultural and historical legacy of the town.
“There is no doubt that Egbaland is filled with notable people and places which must be preserved and given a facelift to boost tourism,” Obasanjo said. “The background of these great individuals should be highlighted and shown to the world. Heritage sites like Iwe Iroyin House and the Abeokuta Prison at Ibara require attention to ensure future generations have tangible history.”
The Lisabi Day Festival is an annual cultural celebration in honour of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a revered warrior of Egbaland who is believed to have disappeared into the Oba Forest in present-day Obafemi Owode Local Government Area about 200 years ago.
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The Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee, Navy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (retd.), said the purpose of the visit was to brief Obasanjo on the 2026 festival and the proposed heritage tour and cultural exhibition. He also requested that the former president deliver a lecture on the role of traditional herbs from Egbaland during the festival.
The Coordinator of the Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition, Olusanya John, presented a detailed itinerary, highlighting the participation of all key sections of Egbaland in hosting tours and exhibitions. Obasanjo accepted the invitation, pledging his support for the festival and his contribution to its success.
Other members of the visiting delegation included Prof. Ajao Adelekan; theatre artist Ebun Oloyede (Igwe Olaiya); Chief Sina Yekinni; Chief Modupeoluwa Sanyaolu; Chief Akindele M. Olajumoke; Basirat Adisa; and Olawunmi Abiola.