Obasanjo seeks recognition of Iwe Iroyin House, others as heritage sites

By Taiwo Bankole

A former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday called for the recognition and promotion of the Iwe Iroyin House — where the first newspaper in Nigeria was published in Abeokuta in December 1859 by British missionary, Rev. Henry Townsend—as a key heritage site.

Chief Obasanjo also urged that similar recognition be extended to the Abeokuta residence of one of the wealthiest Yoruba women in history, Efunsetan Aniwura, a former Iyalode of Ibadan; Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s two-storey building near Akin Olugbade Hospital, Abeokuta; her burial ground at Gbagura; as well as the old Ibara Railway Station and the first flyover in Abeokuta.

The former president further stressed the importance of showcasing notable Egba personalities such as the Ransome-Kutis, Toye Cokers, Majekodunmis and M.K.O. Abiola, as well as institutions like Abeokuta Grammar School, in order to preserve and promote the historical sites of the ancient town.

Obasanjo, according to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, made the call while hosting organisers of the Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition in Egbaland.

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 mysteriously disappeared into the Oba Forest in present-day Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State about 200 years ago.

While hosting the delegation, Obasanjo reportedly emphasised the need to “preserve, renovate and promote key heritage sites,” warning against continued neglect and destruction so that future generations would have tangible history to enhance tourism.

“There is no doubt that Egbaland is filled with notable people and places which must be preserved and given a facelift to boost tourism,” he said.

“The background of these great individuals should be highlighted and shown to the world. One of several heritage sites that require attention is the popular Iwe Iroyin House (home of Nigeria’s first newspaper), as well as the Abeokuta Prison at Ibara, one of the oldest in the country.”

Other sites mentioned by the former president included the old and dilapidated Ibara Railway Station; Oke Sokori, the residence of Efunsetan Aniwura; Madam Tinubu’s storey building near Akin Olugbade Hospital; Madam Tinubu’s burial ground at Gbagura; and the first flyover in Abeokuta.

The Chairman of the Lisabi Festival Committee and Asipa of Egbaland, Navy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (retd.), explained that the purpose of the visit was to brief the former president on the 2026 Lisabi Festival and the proposed Lisabi Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art and Heritage Exhibition.

Raji said, “We are also here to seek your blessings on the cultural and festival tours, which will include a special exhibition of traditional herbs (Ewe ati Egbo) and medicines.

“We also request, sir, our Baba, to deliver a lecture on the role of traditional herbs from Egbaland during this festival.”

The Coordinator of the Pre-Festival Heritage Tour and Cultural Art Exhibition, Olusanya John, presented a detailed itinerary and exhibition plan, emphasising that all key sections of Egbaland would participate in hosting the tours and visits during the festival period.

The former president accepted the invitation and assured the organisers of his support, pledging to deliver the lecture and contribute to the success of the event.

Other members of the visiting delegation included Prof. Ajao Adelekan; renowned theatre artist Ebun Oloyede (Igwe Olaiya); Chief Sina Yekinni; Chief Modupeoluwa Sanyaolu; Chief Akindele M. Olajumoke; Basirat Adisa; and Olawunmi Abiola, among others.

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