The Ogun State House of Assembly has paid tribute to the late Madam Lucia Onabanjo, wife of the state’s first civilian governor, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, describing her as a strong pillar who significantly contributed to the state’s development between 1979 and 1983.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, led lawmakers in honoring the former first lady shortly after announcing her death last week at the age of 100. Elemide praised Madam Onabanjo for her virtue, moral character, and unwavering support for her husband during his administration. Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in her memory.
In a separate development, the Assembly passed a resolution urging the Ogun State Government to work with the Federal Government and military authorities to provide an alternative shooting range. This follows a long-standing land dispute between the Nigerian Army and communities in Apunren-Ijebu and Ijebu-Mushin, Ijebu East Local Council.
The dispute, which has persisted for nearly five decades, traces back to a 1977 military decree establishing barracks across Nigeria. The affected area, originally reduced from 1,820 acres to a fraction, includes sixteen communities with centuries-old social, educational, and religious institutions. Residents have reported demolitions of homes, farmlands, and cultural landmarks, including schools, places of worship, and sacred sites.
The resolution, presented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi and seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Lukman Adeleye, was unanimously adopted through a voice vote. The Assembly recommended that senior military authorities review the land allocation and establish measures to prevent further encroachment.
ICYMI
Following the resolution, Speaker Elemide directed the Clerk of the House to forward the report and recommendations to the State Governor, relevant Federal Ministries, the National Assembly, and Nigerian Army leadership for action.
