My home town wherever i may be, around the rock or within the entire globe, your memory will remain fresh within me.The rock city that brought christianity and education into Nigeria forever i will be proud of you.
Abeokuta is a nation that became independent following the collapse of the Oyo empire in the first half of the 19th century. It was the first West African nation, in the 19th century, to have a written constitution complete with it's own national anthem, flag and Nigeria's first newspaper. Today, it is the modern day capital of Ogun state of Nigeria, West Africa. In recent times, three Egba citizens have been privileged to lead (or have been elected to lead) NIGERIA, Black Africa's most populous country including the incumbent President Obasanjo. The Great nation continues to produce limitless talent, accordingly other Abeokuta citizens have continued to excel in various fields of human endeavour world-wide.
Abeokuta town, capital of Ogun state, southwestern Nigeria. It is situated on the east bank of the Ogun River, around a group of rocky outcroppings that rise above the surrounding wooded savanna. It lies on the main railway (1899) from Lagos, 48 miles (78 km) south, and on the older trunk road from Lagos to Ibadan; it also has road connections to Ilaro, Shagamu, Iseyin, and Kétou (Benin).

Abeokuta ("refuge among rocks") was founded in about 1830 by Sodeke (Shodeke), a hunter and leader of the Egba refugees who fled from the disintegrating Oyo empire. The town was also settled by missionaries (in the 1840s) and by Sierra Leone Creoles, who later became prominent as missionaries and as businessmen. Abeokuta's success as the capital of the Egbas and as a link in the Lagos-Ibadan oil-palm trade led to wars with Dahomey (now Benin). In the battle at Abeokuta in 1851, the Egba, aided by the missionaries and armed by the British, defeated King Gezo's Dahomeyan army (unique in the history of western Africa for its common practice of using women warriors). Another Dahomeyan attack was repulsed in 1864. Troubles in the 1860s with the British in Lagos led the Egba to close the trade routes to the coast and to expel (1867) its missionaries and European traders. After the Yoruba civil wars (1877-93), in which Abeokuta opposed Ibadan, the Egba alake ("king") signed an alliance with the British governor, Sir Gilbert Carter, that recognized the independence of the Egba United Government (1893-1914). In 1914 the kingdom was incorporated into the newly amalgamated British Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The Abeokuta riots of 1918 protested both the levying of taxes and the "indirect rule" policy of Lord Frederick Lugard, the British governor-general, which made the alake, formerly primus inter pares ("first among equals"), the supreme traditional leader to the detriment of the other quarter chiefs.

Modern Abeokuta is an agricultural trade centre (rice, yams, cassava, corn [maize], palm oil and kernels, cotton, fruits, vegetables) and an exporting point for cocoa, palm produce, fruits, and kola nuts. Rice and cotton were introduced by the missionaries in the 1850s, and cotton weaving and dyeing (with locally grown indigo) are now traditional crafts of the town. Abeokuta is the headquarters for the Federal Ogun-Oshin River Basin Authority with programs to harness land and water resources for Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states for rural development. Irrigation, food-processing, and electrification projects are included. Local industry is limited but now includes fruit-canning plants, a plastics factory, a brewery, sawmills, and an aluminum-products factory. South of the town are the Aro granite quarries, which provide building materials for much of southern Nigeria, and a huge, modern cement plant at Ewekoro (18 miles [29 km] south).

Abeokuta was a walled town, and relics of the old wall still exist. Notable buildings include the Ake (the residence of the alake), Centenary Hall (1930), and several churches and mosques. Secondary schools and primary teachers' colleges at Abeokuta are supplemented by the University of Agriculture (formerly the University of Lagos Abeokuta campus), which specializes in science, agriculture, and technology, and the Ogun State Polytechnic (1979; a college). Pop. (1996 est.) 427,400.





Some Egba sons and Daughters and Short Notes about them.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria,

May 1999 --

also Former Head of State 1976 - 1979

Olusegun Obasanjo was born March 6, 1935 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Educated at Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta. He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958, trained at Mons Officer's Cadet School, Aldershot, England; Royal College of Military Engineering, Chatham, England; School of Surey, Newbury, England; Indian Defence Studies, London, 1974. Served in the 5th Battalion, Nigerian Army, Kaduna and the Cameroons, 1958-59; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Nigerian Army, 1959; Promoted lieutenant, 1960; Served in the Nigerian contingent of the United Nations Force in the Congo (now Zaire), 1960; joined the only Engineering Unit of the Nigerian Army then and later became its Commander in 1963; Promoted Captain, Nigerian Army, 1963 was attached to Indian Army Engineering school, Kirekee, 1965; promoted Major, Nigerian Army, 1965; Promoted Lieutenant Colonel, Nigerian Army, 1967; Commander, 2nd Area Command, Nigerian army, 1967; Commander, 2nd Division (Rear), Nigerian Army, Ibadan, 1967; Commander, Garrison, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, 1967-69; Promoted colonel, Nigerian Army, 1969; General Officer Commanding 3rd Infantry Division, Nigerian Army, South-Eastern State during the Nigerian Civil war, Led the Division to end the war and accepted surrender of Biafran forces in January 1970; Commander, Engineering Corps, Nigerian Army, 1970-75; promoted Brigadier, Nigerian Army 1972; appointed Federal Commissioner (now Minister) for Works and Housing, January- July, 1975; appointed Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, Nigerian Army, 1975; member and later Chairman defunct Supreme Military Council (SMC), 1975-79; promoted Lieutenant General, Nigerian Army, 1976; appointed Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, February 1976 - September 1979; promoted General, Nigerian Army, 1979; Presided over the transition to democratic rule, 1979; retired voluntarily from the Nigerian Army, October 1979; member, Advisory Council of State, since 1979.


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Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey

World-Known Juju Musician

BORN 27 AUGUST 1942, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Obey's earliest musical experiences were as a member of the local church choir while a child in Abeokuta - his parents, both devout Christians, were also members. In 1955, he joined the local band Ifelode Mambo, which despite its name was actually a juju outfit, playing guitar and thumb piano. He also played briefly with Fatayi Rolling Dollar and the Federal Rhythm Brothers Orchestra before moving to Lagos in 1963 and forming his own juju band, the International Brothers, in 1964. Under Obey's leadership, the International Brothers forged a highly individual style of juju. Abandoning the percussion and single-guitar style developed by I.K. Dairo , Obey added two more frontline guitars and electric bass, speeded up the tempo and simplified the beat. The formula struck an immediate chord with Nigerian juju fans. Obey enjoyed his first hit, 'Omo Lami', in 1965, followed by even greater success the following year with 'Olo Mi Gbo Temi'.

By the early 70s, Obey was rivalling King Sunny Ade in album output and sales, achieving major local hits with In London, On The Town , Board Members and Aiye Wa A Toro. In 1971, he renamed his band the Inter Reformers and retitled his style miliki system (essentially a shrewd marketing move, for the music continued in the same juju style he had introduced with the International Brothers, heavier and faster than that played by most of his peers). In 1972, he opened his Lagos nightclub, the Miliki Spot, and for the next two or three years reigned as the city's pre-eminent juju bandleader. By the mid-70s, however, Obey was beginning to be threatened by the younger Ade. Juju fans split into two camps: those who followed the Master Guitarist Ade, and those who favoured the sweetness of Obey's vocals and the philosophical nature of his lyrics. It was with their lyrics, above all, that the two men identified themselves. Ade's reflected his belief in traditional Yoruba religion, while Obey, always the perfect Christian gentleman, preached the orthodox values of love, the family and peace in the household. He also took on the role of Government spokesman, explaining the switch to the right-hand side that took place on Nigeria's roads in 1972, and the need to follow more recent campaigns, such as Operation Feed Yourself in 1976 (with Operation Feed The Nation), or the austerity measures that followed the end of Nigeria's oil-based boom in the early 80s. While Obey never achieved the international profile of Ade, he actually preceded the latter in the attempt. In 1980, he licensed six albums to the London-based OTI label (including Current Affairs and What God Has Joined Together). Lacking the promotional and financial muscle of a larger label like Island Records, with whom Ade signed in 1982, OTI were unable to sell Obey outside the expatriate Nigerian market and a small number of white enthusiasts. In 1983 he tried again, signing to Virgin Records, and releasing the adventurous funk and highlife infused Je Ka Jo. Grossly under-promoted, the album failed to convince expatriate Nigerians or make any impact on the growing white audience for juju. A similar fate befell the Virgin follow-up, Greatest Hits. A third attempt, with yet another label, the specialist independent Stern's, produced Solubon. It too failed to reap a sufficient audience. Ever resilient, Obey next set his sights on the US market, touring there to great acclaim - but with little effect on record sales - in 1985 and 1986. He continues, however, to be a major recording and performing artist at home in Nigeria. While Obey never achieved the international profile of Ade, he actually preceded the latter in the attempt. In 1980, he licensed six albums to the London-based OTI label (including Current Affairs and What God Has Joined Together). Lacking the promotional and financial muscle of a larger label like Island Records, with whom Ade signed in 1982, OTI were unable to sell Obey outside the expatriate Nigerian market and a small number of white enthusiasts. In 1983 he tried again, signing to Virgin Records, and releasing the adventurous funk and highlife infused Je Ka Jo. Grossly under-promoted, the album failed to convince expatriate Nigerians or make any impact on the growing white audience for juju. A similar fate befell the Virgin follow-up, Greatest Hits. A third attempt, with yet another label, the specialist independent Stern's, produced Solubon. It too failed to reap a sufficient audience. Ever resilient, Obey next set his sights on the US market, touring there to great acclaim - but with little effect on record sales - in 1985 and 1986. He continues, however, to be a major recording and performing artist at home in Nigeria.

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Wole Soyinka

Writer

Wole Soyinka was born on 13 July 1934 at Abeokuta, in western Nigeria. After preparatory university studies in 1954 at Government College in Ibadan, he continued at the University of Leeds, where, later, in 1973, he took his doctorate. During the six years spent in England, he was a dramaturgist at the Royal Court Theatre in London 1958-1959. In 1960, he was awarded a Rockefeller bursary and returned to Nigeria to study African drama. At the same time, he taught drama and literature at various universities in Ibadan, Lagos, and Ife, where, since 1975, he has been professor of comparative literature. In 1960, he founded the theatre group, "The 1960 Masks" and in 1964, the "Orisun Theatre Company", in which he has produced his own plays and taken part as actor. He has periodically been visiting professor at the universities of Cambridge, Sheffield, and Yale.


First African writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. Also known for being in exile from the Nigerian government under Abacha. When Abacha was gone, and Abubakar took over, Wole Soyinka finally came home for a visit towards the latter part of October 1998, and many are hoping he will return permanently to help build the nation.

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Fela Anikulapo Kuti

World-Known Musician

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, born in Abeokuta, Nigeria in 1938, was a singer-composer, trumpet, sax and keyboard player, bandleader, and politician. Kuti was one of Africa's most controversial musicians and throughout his life he continued to fight for the rights of the common man (and woman) despite vilification, harassment, and even imprisonment by the government of Nigeria. Born to Yoruban parents, Kuti was strongly influenced by both parents, his mother being Funmilayo, a leading figure in the nationalist struggle. Practically all of his records are dominated by political events and discussions from the approach of Pan-Africanism.

In 1954, Kuti joined the Cool Cats as a singer in that highlife band (highlife being the rage of the Lagos music scene at the time). During this period Kuti developed his own unusual sound which he described as highlife-jazz. In 1968 Kuti announced the arrival of Afro-beat, within the year was promoting his sound all over the USA on a 10-month tour where he became influenced by American jazz. When he returned to his homeland he opened a nightclub, the Shrine, and changed the name of his band to Africa 70 (and later to Egypt 80). His bands traditionally included the typical huge line-up consisting of many singers and dancers, numerous saxophonists, trumpeteers, drummers, percussionists, and of course, many guitarists blending African rhythms and jazz horn lines with politicized song lyrics. His music was intricate, rather than calling it Afro-beat you might more arguably consider it Afro-jazz. Entire recordings often consisted of just a few songs and this propensity for jamming set up a roadblock for Fela to attain commercial acceptance in the United States. He also abhored performing a song after recording it, and this led to audience disinterest in the U.S. where the people wanted their music to be recognizable hits.

Kuti continued his outspoken attacks on the Nigerian government. When the people returned to power in 1979, Kuti began his own political party - MOP (Movement of the People). The military returned to power in 1983 and within the year Kuti was sentenced to five years in prison on a spurious currency smuggling charge. He was released in 1986 after yet another change of government.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti died on Saturday, August 2, 1997, at 4pm (local time) in Lagos, Nigeria. It had been rumoured for some time that Fela had a serious illness he was refusing treatment for, many said he was suffering from prostate cancer. But as it turns out, Fela died from complications due to AIDS.

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Chief M.K.O. Abiola

Winner of the Nigerian Presidential Election, June 12, 1993

He was a businessman/politician who ran for the elections held in 1993 (believed to be the first fair elections held in the country). This election was canceled by the military government at the time (Babangida). A year later, when he claimed himself president, he was jailed by the president at the time (Abacha), and one of his wives (Kudirat) was killed during her fight for democracy. After Abacha died, Nigerians were hopeful for his release, and many were hopeful for his rule, but he died of a "heart attack" on July 7,1998. He was the Are Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba.

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Beko Ransome-Kuti

Medical Doctor

He was the chairman for the Campaign for Democracy, and a former medical doctor for the government. In 1997 Beko Ransome-Kuti was awarded the human rights award of the city of Weimar. He was inprisoned on July 25 1995 on charges of treason to the Abacha government. After Abacha's death on June 8 1998, president Abubakar released him (along with 8 other political prisoners) on June 15 1998. Fela Anikolapo-Kuti was his brother.

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Olikoye Ransome-Kuti

Medical Doctor

Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, a doctor and former Nigerian health minister. He was once the deputy director-general of the World Health Organization. Fela Anikolapo-Kuti was his brother.

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Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti

(No picture yet, if you have her picture, please forward to us. Thanks)

She was the first Nigerian lady to drive in Nigeria. First woman politician in Nigeria or probably, in Africa. She was a women's right activist in the early 1900's. Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti in 1944 formed the Abeokuta Women Union (later became a National Women Union). It was a union of 20,000 financial members. Their achievement includes: Objections against the Sole Native Authority and the King (Alake)who was their drummer boy. The king had to abdicate the throne. The union's education campaigns and objection to flat tax rate were all successful.

She was the administrator of Rev. Kuti Memorial Grammar School at Abeokuta. Her children include: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, and Beko Ransome-Kuti. She fought the military against the unjust arrest of her son (Fela) and sustained an injury to her leg of which the resultant compilations allegedly led to her death.

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Sir Adetokunbo Ademola

Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria

Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, former Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria,was an illustrious son of an illustrious father. His father was the late Alake (Paramount ruler ) of Egbaland (1920-62 ), Sir Ladapo Ademola. Sir Adetokunbo is among the most distinguished and most respected Nigerians. He had a brilliant career and over the years he built himself an International reputation, being a member of several world bodies. Born on September 1, 1906, at Abeokuta, capital city of Egbaland, Sir Adetokunbo studied law between 1928-31 at Cambridge University, obtaining a BA degree. He received his MA. later. He was called to the bar (Middle Temple ) in London in 1934, and later became the only African ever appointed a bencher of the Inn. Back in Nigeria, Sir Adetokunbo worked from 1934-35 as crown counsel at the then Attorney- General's Office, then for a year as assistant secretary at the southern secretariat in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria. From 1936, Sir Adetokunbo practiced until 1939, when he was appointed Magistrate of the protectorate Court. In 1949 he became the third Nigerian to be appointed a Pusine Judge. In 1948 he served as a member of the commission for the revision of court legislation. In 1955, a year before western Nigeria became internally self-governing, Sir Adetokunbo was appointed Chief Justice for Western Nigeria, thus becoming the first Nigerian head of the judiciary anywhere in Nigeria. Sir Adetokunbo's string of 'firsts' continued when, three years later, he became the first Nigerian Chief Justice of the entire Federation of Nigeria. He was knighted in January, 1957, and in 1963 was appointed one of Queen Elizabeth's Privy Councilors. Later that year, the Queen awarded him a KBE. He married Miss Kofo Moore, the first West African woman graduate- she took a BA at Oxford- and daughter of the late Eric Moore, first Lagos member of the United Nations committee of experts advising on labor conventions and regulations. He was also a member of the United Nations International Public Service Advisory Board, member of the International commission of Jurists, executive member of World peace through Law, vice president of the world Association Jurists, president of the Nigerian Red Cross Association, chairman of Nigeria Cheshire homes, member of the International Olympic committee, member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and president of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity. Sir Adetokunbo is also one of the founders and chairman of the Metropolitan Club, a founder member of the Island Club and vice patron of the Yoruba Club. Sir Adetokunbo was in the forefront of several peace moves in Nigeria.

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Adeolu Akisanya (Baba Eto)

One of the Pioneers of Yoruba Juju Music

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George Sodeide Sowemimo

Chief Justice of the federation from 1983 to 1985


Justice George Sodeide Sowemimo was the Chief Justice of the federation from 1983 to 1985.

Admitted into the British Bristol university in 1944, the late Nigerian chief justice graduated in 1948 and was called to the Middle Temple bar in 1949. He later returned to nigeria to set up a private legal practice.

A landmark case in Sowemimo's 32 years on the bench, was the controversial 1962-63 treason trial of late Nigeria's prominent opposition politician, Obafemi Awolowo and 26 others.

In his celebrated 900-page judgment with the famous quotation "my hands are tied", Sowemimo, then judge of the Lagos High Court, sentenced Awolowo and 17 others to 10 years in prison for attempting to overthrow the federal government of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa. However, Awolowo and the other prisoners were released three years later following nigeria's second military coup that brought former military ruler Gen. Yakubu Gowon to power in july 1967.

Sowemimo, who retired as Chief Justice in 1985 at the mandatory age of 65, had defended that controversial verdict, which has remained a reference point in Nigeria's judicial history. He was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the Niger, one of Nigeria's highest awards.

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Mrs. Bisoye Tejuosho

Industrialist



She was the Iyalode of Egba / Abeokuta and the mother of Dapo Tejuosho, The Osile of Okeona.

She's was a very industrious woman in the manufacturing industry. She established 'Teju foam and other companies.

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Madam Tinunbu

Abolitionist



She was the first Iyalode of Egbaland. She became filthy rich as a slave trader having her headquarters at Abeokuta. When she visited Badagry and realized the inhumane condition slaves are subjected to by the White man, she became an abolitionist. She spent a great deal of her wealth on the abolition of slavery. Tinunbu Square in Victoria Island was named after her for her gallantry.

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Alhaji Dauda Soroye Adegbenro, Premier of the Western Region, 1965

Dr. M.A. Majekodunmi, Administrator, Western Region, 1965

Chief Earnest Shonekan, Former President of Nigeria

Dr. Adeoye Lambo


Isaiah Olusoji Oloyede, Founder Abeokuta Desensdants Union of Nigeria.
Check for their pictures in the photo page.

The Picture of our Traditional Ruler/Royal father on His seat holding his Traditional Mase
His Royal Majesty kabiyesi Oba(DR)Mofolorunsho Oyebade Lipede .
Ki Ade O pe Lori,
Ki bata pe lese,
Esin Oba a je ko Pe o,
Ase.
Wishing you more years to come on the throne of your forefathers.

Other useful Abeokuta sites.
Radio Abeokuta. Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation on the internet.
The Grammar School. The Oldest secondary school in Ogun state situated in Abeokuta.
Egba and Egbado Decendants. The website of Egba and egbado desendants residing in the United states.
Nigeria Nigeria's website.

Favorite Sites
MOBILE` Globacom that is where it goes.
Games. My favourite online game center.
schools My high school.
Brother Ponmile's website.
Brother Opeoluwa Oloyede's online photo album.
Cards Passionup.
mail Free e-mail sign up.
Nike Nike's official website.
Football The website of Nigeria soccer champion.