Mobolaji Johnson
Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson | |
---|---|
Military Governor of Lagos State | |
In office 28 May 1967 – July 1975 | |
Preceded by | position established |
Succeeded by | Adekunle Lawal |
Personal details | |
Born | British Nigeria | 9 February 1936
Died | 30 October 2019 | (aged 83)
Alma mater | Reagan Memorial Baptist School Methodist Boys' High School Lagos Mons Officer Cadet School R.M.A Sandhurst |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Nigeria |
Branch/service | Nigerian Army |
Years of service | 1959–1975 |
Rank | Brigadier |
Mobolaji Olufunso Johnsonⓘ (9 February 1936 – 30 October 2019) was a Nigerian Army Brigadier who served as Military Administrator of the Federal territory of Lagos from January 1966 to May 1967 during the military regime of General Aguyi-Ironsi (to July 1966, and General Gowon subsequently), and then as Governor of Lagos State from May 1967 to July 1975 during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon.[1] As Governor of Lagos, his administration supervised the unpopular demolition of the Ajele Cemetery in the early 1970s.
Early life and education
Johnson was born to the family of Joshua Motola Johnson and his wife, Gbemisola Johnson of Epe, Lagos State
Military career
- Zaria Military Depot, 1958–1959.
- United Nations Peace Keeping Troops, Congo
- He was promoted a 2nd Lieutenant, Nigeria Army, 1961.
- Lieutenant, 1962, Captain, October 1962.
- Appointed Deputy Commander, Federal Guards, 1964.
- Commander, Federal Guards, 1964.
- Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster-General Headquarters, 2nd Brigade, Apapa, Lagos, 1964.
- Major, February 1966;
- Second in command, 4th Battalion, Ibadan.
- Station Commander, Benin, Midwest (old Bendel State).
Biafra War
At the end of the famed Biafra War, Johnson was amongst the federal delegates at the end of the war ceremony. In 1966, after the abortive
Governor
Johnson was first appointed by
Building Lagos
- 60.7-kilometre international express road (Lagos–Badagry Expressway) linking Nigeria with the neighbouring countries Benin, Ghana and Togo.[7]
- Toikin Bridge to link Epe to Ikorodu
- Eko Bridge
- Third Mainland Bridge
- A network of roads and bridges that constitutes what is modern day Lagos
- Reclamation of the Bar Beach shoreline.
Another coup ushered in a new military government in 1975. A new administration came in, under an anti-corruption banner.
Demolition of Ajele Cemetery
Johnson's administration was responsible for the demolition and disinterment of people buried at
Retirement
In 1975 at the inception of the General
General Johnson retired from the Nigerian Army in 1975 and went into private business. He had four children, three sons and a daughter.
Later life
Johnson was the Chairman of Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
He became a Director of construction giant
Johnson was the Chairman Executive Council of Lagos State University Development Foundation.
He was the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Methodist Boys' High School, Lagos Old Boys' National Association. He was honoured with the position because he was a distinguished Old Boy who was of great assistance to his alma mater.
His daughter-in-law is Omobola Johnson.[13]
Mobolaji Johnson died [14] on October 30, 2019, at the age of 83 in his home. His death was announced by his son, Deji Johnson. Deji has 3 children himself, two daughters and a son.[15]
Seyi Johnson who is currently Business Development Director at Julius Berger also one of his 3 sons.
Legacy
A road, an avenue, and a sports complex in Mobolaji's home state bear his name as well as a Housing Scheme at Lekki both in Lagos. A railway station in Ebute Metta, Lagos was named in his honour.[16]
See also
- Timeline of Lagos, 1960s–1970s
References
- ^ Ekunkubor, Jemi. "I am not a hustler – Brigadier -General MOBOLAJI JOHNSON (rtd)". Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
- ^ "Brigadier-General Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson (1936-2019)". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2022-03-07.
- ^ Johnson, M. O., & Olutimehin, K. (2010). Lagos State- my life of service with integrity: The making of an icon : an autobiography of Mobolaji Johnson. Ibadan: MakeWay Pub
- ^ "My Life of Service with Integrity". Kola Olutimehin/Smashwords. Retrieved 2015-08-29.
- ^ "Reunion Black Family". Reunion Black Family.
- ^ "We started Lagos State with only 10,000 pounds — Mobolaji Johnson". Tribune Online. 2017-11-11. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
- ^ http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=[permanent dead link]
- ISBN 9780520037465.
- ISBN 9789785205763.
- ISBN 978-9785108460.
- ^ Africa Today, By Ralph Uwechue, African Books Limited (2nd edition 1991)
- ^ http://www.tribune.com.ng/12092008/features.html[permanent dead link]
- ^ Tunji Olaopa (June 7, 2015). "Rethinking The Capability Readiness Of The Public Service: Lessons From Minister Omobola Johnson". The Guardian. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ "Former governor of Lagos, Mobolaji Johnson dies aged 83 • Okay.ng". www.okay.ng. 30 October 2019. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
- ^ "BREAKING: Mobolaji Johnson is dead". Archived from the original on 2019-10-30.
- ^ Odutola, Abiola (2021-04-11). "FG to name new train station after Mobolaji Johnson". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
Further reading
- Johnson, Mobolaji; Olutimehin, Kola (2010). Lagos State – My Life of Service with Integrity: The Making of an Icon. MakeWay Publishing Limited, Ibadan.