In the history of Lagos State, few names stand as tall as Mobolaji Johnson. He was a Nigerian military officer, statesman, and the first military governor of Lagos State from(1967–1975). Born on February 9, 1936, in Lagos, he had his early education at Regal College, Yaba, and Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos. He later joined the Nigerian Army in 1955 and trained at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK. As an officer in the Nigerian Army Engineers, he demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, which led to his appointment as Military Administrator of Lagos in the year 1966, which lasted till1967.
Following the creation of Lagos State in 1967, General Yakubu Gowon appointed Johnson as its first military governor. During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous infrastructural projects that laid the foundation for modern Lagos in which he built flyovers, roads, and bridges, including the Eko Bridge.
He also established Festac Town, Satellite Town, and other residential areas.He worked on healthcare, education, water supply, and sanitation.Not only that, he Initiated road expansion projects to accommodate Lagos’ growing population and he encouraged private sector investment and improved government revenue.
Mobolaji Johnson’s impact on Lagos is undeniable. Today, his name is honored in various ways in the modern day Lagos State such as Mobolaji Johnson Road, Avenue, and Sports Complex in Lagos,
Mobolaji Johnson Housing Scheme in Lekki and Mobolaji Johnson Railway Station in Ebute Metta to mention but a few.
He was known as a man of discipline, vision, and unwavering integrity. In 1975, when General Murtala Mohammed launched an anti-corruption probe, Johnson was one of only two governors cleared of corruption. This distinguished him as a leader who prioritized service over personal gain.
Johnson retired in 1975 after General Murtala Mohammed’s military purge. He transitioned into the private sector, serving on the boards of major companies, including MTN Nigeria. Despite stepping away from politics, he remained an influential figure in Nigeria’s development.
However, his administration was not without controversy. One of the most talked-about decisions was the demolition of Ajele Cemetery, which sparked public outcry and criticism from prominent figures like Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. While this move was intended for urban development, it also raised important questions about balancing progress with cultural and historical preservation.
He passed away on October 30, 2019, at the age of 83, after a brief illness.