Ogun State is 50 years old this week!

Ogun State is 50 years old this week!

A week ago, it was reported that Iyabo Obasanjo, a former Senator, a professor of veterinary medicine, a scholar, teacher and socio-cultural activist, has registered as a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State.

That move was unexpected because she had been out of Nigerian politics for a few years.
Her action immediately set off ripples of speculations and theories in the crowded political field in the State.

The first big question, however, is ‘Why APC?’.
The political field is mined, heated and crowded as preparations for State and national elections gain ground. Does she intend to play any major part in the politics of Ogun State?
Is she contesting for any elective post?
Is the rumbling amongst the women in the State an indication that she is reviving her old Socio-cultural Movement as a tool for empowerment of women in the State?

As a bona-fide son of Ogun State, and mindful of the antecedents of female Egba activists in history, I shall be asking the Professor why a woman of her stature and pedigree is stepping out at this time into the convoluted and congested politics of Ogun State.

Abeokuta, where Iyabo comes from, has a rich trove of the history of strong women stepping out to lead in times of crisis and struggles in politics, government, education, civil rights and commerce. Their stories are written in the history of the Egba across the West African sub-region from the 18th Century till now.

‘Women of Olumo rock’ began from Madam Efunroye Tinubu who must be stirring in her grave in excitement.
‘Tinubu Square’ in Lagos, the cenotaph in the heart of the city marks the epicenter of the socio-cultural, commercial and political power base of the Yoruba in the Lagos/Abeokuta axis. It was named after Efunroye Tinubu that reigned from the middle to the late 1880s.

Several Egba women followed in her footsteps, Amazons leading movements, campaigns and activist groups – Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, educationist, women rights activist and democracy campaigner; Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, Aristrocat, Banker and administrator; Titi Ajanaku, nurse, politician and women leader; Kudirat Abiola, pro-democracy campaigner and businesswoman; Alaba Lawson, business woman and educationist; and so on.
And now….Iyabo Olusola Obasanjo!

This Saturday, February 7, 2026, on ‘90 mins with Mathematical’ on Eagle7 Sports Radio, 103.7 FM, Abeokuta, the Scion of the Obasanjo family shall share ‘breakfast conversation’ with me about her recent foray into Ogun State politics, plus other matters, including the future!

There can be no smoke without a fire!

Watch out for this world-exclusive, a light-hearted banter on the sponsoring-intentions of Professor Iyabo Obasanjo in taking a plunge into the deep waters of Ogun State politics…again!

Do not miss it!

Dr. Olusegun Odegbami MON, OLY, AFNIIA, FNIS, GS Ambassador Ogun State.