On August 27, 1991, General Ibrahim Babangida, announced the creation of Osun and other eight new states, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria to 30.
Babangida during a nationwide broadcast, said the exercise was aimed at bringing government closer to the people and ensuring even development across the federation.
The new Osun State, which was carved out of Old Oyo State comprises 19 local government areas taken from the eastern and central parts of former Oyo State. The areas include Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Iwo, Ede, Ikirun, Ikire, and Ejigbo.
Announcing the new state, Gen. Babangida said: “The creation of Osun State recognizes the distinct cultural identity, historical heritage, and developmental aspirations of the people of the area.”
Celebrations erupted across Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Ilesa late Monday as residents took to the streets with drums, songs, and prayers. Market women in Oja Oba, Osogbo, described the announcement as “a dream come true.”
The other eight states created alongside Osun are: Kebbi and Sokoto split, Jigawa out of Kano, Yobe out of Borno, Taraba out of Gongola, Abia and Enugu out of Imo and Anambra respectively, Delta out of Bendel, and Kogi out of Kwara and Benue.
August 27, 1985: Babangida overthrew Buhari in a palace coup
On August 27, 1985, Major-General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida announced the overthrow of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari in a bloodless palace coup.
In a nationwide broadcast at 7:00am on NTA and Radio Nigeria, Babangida, said the Armed Forces had intervened to “correct the ills of the past 20 months” and to restore confidence in governance.
Buhari, who had ruled since December 31, 1983, was arrested along with key members of his Supreme Military Council. No casualties were reported.
Citing “ineptitude and lack of direction,” Babangida said the intervention was necessary to stop the drift in government and to review economic policies, human rights laws, and austerity measures.
He was later sworn in at Dodan Barracks as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the new Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC.
Sources at Dodan Barracks said troops loyal to Babangida moved in the early hours of Tuesday.
Key installations in Lagos including the airport, radio stations, and military headquarters were secured without resistance.
Former Chief of Staff, Major-General Tunde Idiagbon, was also taken into custody. Buhari was held at an undisclosed location.
