Obasanjo Advocates Preservation of Nigeria’s First Newspaper House, Other Abeokuta Landmarks
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has appealed for urgent recognition, restoration and promotion of several historic landmarks in Abeokuta, including the Iwe Iroyin House, where Nigeria’s first newspaper was published in 1859.
Obasanjo made the call while receiving members of the Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition at his residence in Egbaland.
He stressed that preserving such sites was critical to safeguarding history, strengthening cultural identity and expanding tourism potential for future generations.
The former president described the Iwe Iroyin House, established by British missionary Rev. Henry Townsend, as a national asset that deserves official heritage status. He also advocated similar recognition for other culturally significant locations across Abeokuta.
Among the sites mentioned were the former residence of Efunsetan Aniwura at Oke Sokori, the historic two-storey building owned by Madam Efunroye Tinubu near Akin Olugbade Hospital, her burial site in Gbagura, the old Ibara Railway Station, the Abeokuta Prison at Ibara and the city’s first flyover.
Obasanjo further emphasised the importance of celebrating notable Egba families and institutions that contributed to Nigeria’s development, including the Ransome-Kuti family, the Toye Cokers, the Majekodunmis, late business mogul M.K.O. Abiola and Abeokuta Grammar School.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo warned that neglect and destruction of historical sites would deny younger generations tangible links to their past. He urged stakeholders to invest in restoration and proper documentation of these landmarks.
“There are many outstanding people and places in Egbaland that must not be allowed to fade into history,” Obasanjo reportedly said, adding that their stories should be properly told and showcased to the world.
The visit was part of preparations for the 2026 Lisabi Day Festival, an annual celebration honouring Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the legendary Egba warrior believed to have disappeared into the Oba Forest about two centuries ago.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee and Asipa of Egbaland, Navy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (retd.), said the delegation came to formally brief the former president on plans for the festival and associated heritage tours.
Raji explained that the programme would feature guided tours across Egbaland as well as a cultural exhibition highlighting traditional herbs and indigenous medicine.
“We are also seeking Baba’s blessing and requesting him to deliver a special lecture on the role of traditional herbs in Egba history during the festival,” he said.
Coordinator of the Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition, Olusanya John, presented a comprehensive itinerary outlining how various communities in Egbaland would participate in hosting visitors and exhibitions.
Obasanjo accepted the invitation and pledged his full support for the festival, assuring the organisers that he would contribute intellectually and morally to its success.
Members of the delegation included Prof. Ajao Adelekan, veteran actor Ebun Oloyede (popularly known as Igwe Olaiya), Chief Sina Yekinni, Chief Modupeoluwa Sanyaolu, Chief Akindele M. Olajumoke, Basirat Adisa and Olawunmi Abiola, among others.
