Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has explained the reason behind his stopover at the residence of Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, also known as IBD Dende, describing it as his first point of contact upon returning from Germany.

Speaking among supporters and associates, Igboho said Chief Egungbohun remained one of the individuals who stood firmly by him during what he described as challenging periods.

According to him, Egungbohun provided moral and all supports needed while consistently advocating for a united Nigeria governed by the rule of law.

Igboho quoted Chief Egungbohun as saying, “We must be ready to fight with our last drop of blood to ensure that Nigeria remains one united giant of Africa.

“I believe the only route by which Nigeria can remain our pride is to imbibe patriotism as our watchword.

“We cannot afford to see it lose recognition among the comity of nations.

“Whatever we have to do, guided by exposure and understanding of the fabric of our great country, must be done patriotically”.

Igboho described his visit as a necessary gesture of appreciation, noting that it would have been an act of ingratitude to return to Nigeria without first stopping at Egungbohun’s residence in Ilaro.

“This is where I must begin the expression of my sincere gratitude for the years during which I was on the wanted list”, he said.

“Permit me to use Chief Egungbohun as a point of contact to express my appreciation to everyone who stood by me in various ways”,

He further disclosed that he would proceed to visit other notable supporters as he continues his journey home, adding that time constraints may prevent him from visiting all those he wished to personally thank.

“To everyone who supported me—those I will see today, in the coming days, and those I may not be able to visit—I remain deeply grateful”. Igboho said.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced the constitution of a committee to organise a befitting burial for the former First Lady of the state, Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabanjo.

The committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi. Other members include the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Mr. Dare Alebiosu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo.

Governor Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday during a condolence visit to the Onabanjo family in Ijebu-Ode, following the passing of the former First Lady.

Describing the late Mrs. Onabanjo as an exemplary First Lady, the governor said she used her position to render selfless service to God and humanity. He stressed that the state would be fully involved in giving the wife of a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Bisi Onabanjo, a dignified and well-deserved burial.

He said:
“Mama lived for 100 years and would have been 101 this year. She lived a ripe and fulfilled life, leaving behind legacies of impact that call for the celebration of a well-lived, purposeful and meaningful existence.

“She was married to a renowned journalist and an outstanding governor in his time, who established landmark institutions such as the Ogun State Television and the Olabisi Onabanjo University, among others.

“Mama Lucia herself was a trained teacher, a supportive wife who travelled round the country with her husband, a devoted homemaker, a doting and loving mother, and an exemplary First Lady.”

Governor Abiodun noted that although the state mourns her departure, there is much to be thankful for, considering the impactful life she lived.

“Though we mourn the departure of a great woman, a titan, a former First Lady, and an industrious daughter of Ijebu land and Ogun State, we should be grateful that she lived a life worthy of emulation,” he said.

He also urged people to live lives of positive impact, noting that death is inevitable regardless of age.

“No matter how long a man lives on earth, death is certain. It is only a question of when God will call us home,” the governor added.

While acknowledging that Mrs. Onabanjo lived to a ripe age, Governor Abiodun described her death as a great loss not only to her family but also to Ogun State and the country at large.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and urged members of the family to take solace in the fact that she lived and departed honourably.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Barrister Bukola Onabanjo recounted the events leading to her mother’s final moments and expressed gratitude for the godly upbringing she gave her children.

She also appreciated Governor Abiodun, the Ogun State Government, and the people of the state for their support and solidarity with the family.

Late Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabanjo was born on October 26, 1925, and passed away on January 12, 2026.

— New Seaport to Be Known as Blue Marine Economic Zone

Ogun State’s long-standing aspiration to become an oil-producing state is set to materialise following the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, alongside senior officers of the command, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a major breakthrough after years of anticipation surrounding the multibillion-dollar port development.

According to Governor Abiodun, both projects are of special interest to the President. He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for residents of the coastal communities.

“Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there,” the governor said.

“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality.”

Governor Abiodun added that President Tinubu specifically directed that construction of the port should be far advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project presents a strong opportunity to decongest the Lagos ports, particularly with the coastal road now providing an alternative logistics corridor.

He further disclosed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and vast economic and commercial potential.

The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic and discourage any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He also disclosed that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island in line with efforts to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.

Governor Abiodun appreciated the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to the state’s security architecture, noting that collaboration among security agencies has helped sustain the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.

Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that Ogun State would experience enhanced security and progress under his leadership.

“We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training, and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” the governor said.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as critical and strategic to Nigeria’s national security, disclosing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s significant oil potential.

He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that part of his responsibility was to safeguard Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.