Perhaps most of the late 1990s and afterward generation may not know that this historical place played a very important role in the Nigeria's politico-military evolution in the time past.
"Dodan Barracks; Once Upon A Time Nigeria's Seat Of Power. "
The Obalende Road that leads to Dodan Barracks, Ikoyi in Lagos State was paved with ‘gold.’ The stench of the liquid dry gold of urine filled the air leaving a bitter, acidic taste in passers-by’s mouth.
At 7:30am, street urchins gathered in groups smoking hemp. Residents, who were around when Dodan Barracks was the seat of power, said with the relocation of the seat of government to Abuja, a lot of things have changed, not for the better in the neighbourhood.
A relic of coups and counter-coups, the military base occupies a large area located off Awolowo Road, Lagos. It was the residence of the heads of state of various military governments in the country and also the Supreme Military Headquarters from 1966 until the move to Abuja in 1991.
Mr. Gbenga Jacobs, an Obalende resident who appeared to be in his 60s, told SUNDAY PUNCH that being the immediate neighbours of the military seat of power afforded residents peace of mind and privilege of hobnobbing with soldiers. According to him, residents once enjoyed camaraderie with soldiers.
“Except during coups, we had no cause for fear. You see all these gutters, when there were coups, the soldiers would hide inside them; they also laid ambush in the cemetery. During the time heads of state lived in Dodan Barracks, we did not have problems with criminals. But things have changed. The barracks and the soldiers have also changed.
Before now, we had unhindered access into the barracks to polish shoes for soldiers when we were young. We went there to watch films. We had very cordial relationships with the soldiers as we could go to the senior officers’ mess without fear. I think that’s impossible for teenagers to do today.
“Not only has the relationship between civilians and the military suffered, the playing fields in the barracks have been overtaken by various buildings in the barracks, great fields that we used to play in when we were young. Let me just say that the beauty of Dodan Barracks is gone. At that time, there was discipline; you don’t see soldiers anyhow on the streets. Today, they have become like policemen,” Jacobs said.
Mr. Sabiu Durojaiye, also in his 60s, expressed similar nostalgia. “When we were teenagers, we had the opportunity to go to the officers’ mess. Sometimes we went there to polish their shoes or to play. We entered the place freely. But today, we can hardly have access to it. We used to enter the barracks to pick fruits from the trees. You can hardly see any tree there today. Even during the Nigerian Civil War, we still had a great time with the soldiers,” Durojaiye said.
For Mr. Abiodun Goodluck, in his late 40s, who lives close to the barracks, recalling the glorious era of the military base, a smile formed on his face. He spoke about peace, the security, adequate social amenities and civilian-soldier relationship in the neighbourhood of Obalende.
Goodluck said, “From the time of Yakubu Gowon to Ibrahim Babangida, we had everything in terms of adequate power and water supply. Security was fantastic. Criminals could hardly operate in this area. I remember the time Gowon was getting married. I was there. My mother took me to Gowon’s wedding party. Life was great around here. I could remember that Obalende had the best suya (barbeque) in Nigeria. I remember fun spots like City Fellow, Last Bus Stop, Aunty, Iya Moji and Iya Paul, just opposite Dodan Barracks.
“When the seat of power was moved away from here, all the good things including the cordial relationship we once had with the soldiers disappeared too. Security has worsened. People now litter everywhere with refuse. The barracks is living on its former glory. We were able to play with children of the leaders of the country then. Life was free and peaceful between us in the neighbour-hood and the soldiers in the barracks.”
Having spent 27 years in Obalende, close to the garrison, Umaru Yusuf, a tailor, could only shake his head in disappointment, saying many things have changed for the worse. “Many things have changed. I know because I have lived long in this area to see the various changes that have occurred. Is it electricity or water supply?
Sometimes, we don’t have electricity for a week. It was not like this when the seat of power was here. We don’t enjoy the security the barracks once provided. Many things have changed. You can’t even enter the barracks as you like,” Yusuf, in his late 40s, told our correspondent.
What Mr. Kayode Fajumobi, in his 60s, miss most about the military base when it served as the seat of government, he said, is the comradeship between the military and the civilians. “I miss the mutual interaction. To be candid, the relationship between civilian residents in this neighbourhood and the soldiers was very cordial.
However, it turned sour when the capital was moved to Abuja. Today, as a civilian, you can’t enter the barracks anyhow. In the past, a lot of us had access to the barracks without fear or intimidation. “We used to pass through the barracks to Ikoyi Road. Many students passed through there. Today, many of the gates of the barracks are shut. No more playing fields. It is also regrettable that during the glorious days of Dodan Barracks, the military forbade having storey buildings constructed in this area. That has really affected this area economically,” Fajumobi recalled.
For Tony Adama, the barracks remains a source of security in the area. He said his neighbourhood along Obalende Road have not had any big challenge with insecurity. “I remember that barracks was a source and is still a source of protection for this area. Today, it is not easy to enter the barracks as one likes. I think that is a big change,” Adama noted.
Inside the barracks is the old State House. Attempts made by our correspondent to enter the premises were rebuffed by security operatives at its main gate. A man in mufti, who identified himself as Mr. Samuel, told SUNDAY PUNCH that he was in charge of the State House and he would not permit our correspondent to enter the premises without first getting approval from the Abuja State House.
“I am not convinced by your explanation; besides, you will have to get permission in the form of a letter granting you the approval to gain entry into this place. Please don’t make any further attempt to enter this place. You are advised to turn back from here. There is nothing special about this place that you want to work about. It has no relationship with the elections,” Samuel said.
Dodan Barracks was one of the bases of a group of army majors who attempted a coup against the civilian government in January 1966. Maj.-Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi seized power after an attempted coup and became the Head of State. In July 1966, Dodan Barracks became the seat of power in Nigeria after a counter-coup in which Ironsi was murdered and his Chief of Staff, Gen. Gowon became the Head of State, moving into the Federal Guard Officer’s Mess.
It was there that Gowon received the formal surrender of Biafra at the end of the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) in January 1970. The barracks was also where a meeting was held in April 1978 between the then-United States President Jimmy Carter and former military Head of State, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.
The last occupant, General Ibrahim Babangida, left the old State House shortly after the April 1990 coup attempt by Major Gideon Orkar.
Dodan barracks also accommodated the first state visit of a United States President, jimmy carter, to sub-Saharan Africa from March 31 – April 3, 1978.
A historical look at Dodan Barracks, the epicentre of Nigeria’s military and political power during a transformative period in the nation’s history.
The name "Dodan" originated from the site of a battle fought during the Burma campaign of World War II by the 82nd West African Division.
Nestled in the heart of Lagos, Dodan Barracks served as the official residence and office of Nigeria’s heads of state for a quarter of a century. From 1966 until 1991, this military complex was the nerve centre of the Nigerian federal government and a focal point for some of the country’s most critical historical events.
A photograph dated around 1970, captured by Reuters photographer Adeyinka Makinde, shows Dodan Barracks at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s post-civil war era.
A Seat of Government and Power Dodan Barracks assumed prominence following the first military coup of 1966, becoming the residence and administrative headquarters for successive Nigerian heads of state, including: -1). Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (1966) -2). General Yakubu Gowon (1966–1975) -3). General Murtala Mohammed (1975–1976) -4). General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979) -5). Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida in the 1980s
The barracks were central to the administration of the Nigerian federal government during a period of civil unrest, military rule, and eventual transition to democracy.
-I). Post-Civil War Governance (1970): General Yakubu Gowon used the barracks as his administrative hub after the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War, coordinating national reconstruction efforts.
-II). International Visits: Prominent figures visited the barracks, such as boxing legend Muhammad Ali in 1971, during his goodwill tour of Nigeria.
-III). Political Decision-Making: Many critical policy decisions, cabinet meetings, and military strategies of the era were executed from within its walls. The theme photograph from 1970 reflects the barracks’ status as a symbol of authority and the restored federal government in post-war Nigeria.
[b]Architecture and Design Dodan Barracks is a notable example of mid-century modern architecture in Nigeria, characterised by: Functional, clean lines, Minimalist, symmetrical design practicality for military and administrative use.[/b]
The complex included both living quarters for the head of state and offices for top military and civilian aides, designed to accommodate both privacy and official functions.
Legacy Following the relocation of Nigeria’s federal capital to Abuja in 1991, Dodan Barracks ceased to serve as the seat of national power. Despite this, it remains a historic symbol of Nigeria’s military and political history, representing a period marked by military rule, nation-building, and political transformation.
The barracks are remembered not only for their political significance but also as a site of national memory, bearing witness to the challenges and triumphs of Nigeria’s post-independence journey.
RSVP on an invitation card stands for the French phrase "Répondez s'il vous plaît," which translates to "please respond". It is a request for recipients to confirm whether or not they will be attending an event, such as a wedding or party, to help the host finalize guest counts for food, seating, and logistics.
It is a request for guests to confirm whether or not they will attend an event by a specific date, allowing hosts to accurately plan for food, seating, and, in some cases, logistics.
Key Aspects of RSVP: -1). Purpose: To provide an accurate headcount for planners, ensuring enough food, drinks, and seating.
-2). Action Required: You must contact the host via the provided phone number, email, or included response card to say "yes" or "no".
-3). Deadline: It is important to respond by the date indicated on the invitation.
-4). Etiquette: Even if you cannot attend, it is polite to inform the host promptly.
-5). Guests: If the invitation allows, specify the total number of people attending (e.g., yourself and a plus-one).
Common Misconception: Contrary to popular slang, it does not mean "Rice and Stew Very Plenty".
"Meaning of RSVP on Invitation Cards to Events; Meaning and Other Details."
Imagine Benue of all places doing this shit. The situation must be sickening. They only give attention to the killers while their victims continue to be victims.
Fuel subsidy allegedly removed. Revenue targets gleefully alleged to have been attained with fanfare. However, borrowing continued unabated with chronic debt pillage & with servicing that is another economic burden to this nation.
Wale Edun that used to boldly defend the indiscriminate impulsive borrowing policies of the government is now decrying the serving of these worthless loans. Reality is much clearer now. Government of lies and propaganda.
"Leading operators; MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 Mobile urged the National Assembly to rely on verified data from the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The country’s network coverage was sufficient to support electronic transmission of polling-unit results to the electoral commission’s portal and collation centres ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As we speak today, over 70 per cent of the country is covered by 3G and 4G networks, 5G has reached about 11 per cent coverage, while the remaining areas are on 2G. Even in reality, 2G is strong enough to transmit results electronically. We cannot accept a blanket ban on electronic transmission based on half-truths about our infrastructure and investments."
The position aligned with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which previously dismissed similar concerns before the 2023 elections, maintaining that uploaded results would transmit automatically once devices enter areas with network coverage.
“And when you look at the crux of various arguments, maybe Nigerians should question our broadband capability.
How technically are we today? How technically will we be tomorrow to answer the call of either real-time or not?”
And no room for improvement? The world is advancing forward in respect to deploying technology for electioneering but this one wants to go with the analogue system.
This is what happens when you have been winning elections via a compromised electoral body and courts that based decisions on glitches and technicalities.
"Telcos Reject Objection To e-Transmission Of Election Results, Insist On Nationwide Coverage Ahead 2027 Polls."
Nigeria’s telecommunications operators have rejected claims by some lawmakers that the country lacked the infrastructure for real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly and not a few Nigerians had advocated the provision of a compulsory live electronic transmission of election results in the new Electoral Act 2026 but the National Assembly passed the law without such provision.
LEADERSHIP reports that President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Bill 2026 into law on Wednesday. The president, who assented to the amendment at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, maintained that the credibility of elections depends more on management and human oversight than on real-time electronic transmission.
“It’s not as important as the historical aspects of this. What is crucial is the fact that you manage the process to the extent there will be no confusion, no disenfranchisement of Nigerians, and that we are all going to see democracy flourish,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that regardless of the technological systems adopted, elections are ultimately conducted and concluded by people.
“And when you look at the crux of various arguments, maybe Nigerians should question our broadband capability. How technically are we today? How technically will we be tomorrow to answer the call of either real-time or not?” he added.
However, leading operators — MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 Mobile — insisted the objections were based on outdated or incomplete data.
Speaking under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), operators urged the National Assembly to rely on verified data from the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
ALTON chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said the country’s network coverage was sufficient to support electronic transmission of polling-unit results to the electoral commission’s portal and collation centres ahead of the 2027 general election.
“As we speak today, over 70 per cent of the country is covered by 3G and 4G networks, 5G has reached about 11 per cent coverage, while the remaining areas are on 2G. Even in reality, 2G is strong enough to transmit results electronically. We cannot accept a blanket ban on electronic transmission based on half-truths about our infrastructure and investments."
Adebayo acknowledged that security challenges in parts of the country, particularly in two insurgency-affected states, have limited operators’ ability to maintain facilities. He, however, said such challenges should be addressed through collaboration rather than used to justify nationwide rejection of electronic transmission.
The position aligned with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which previously dismissed similar concerns before the 2023 elections, maintaining that uploaded results would transmit automatically once devices enter areas with network coverage.
Debate over real-time transmission has intensified as Nigeria prepared for the 2027 general election, with civil society groups and voters viewing electronic result transmission as critical to transparency and public trust in the electoral process.
The new electoral law has therefore reopened discussions on balancing technological adoption with operational integrity in the conduct of elections.
Vinnie2000: Some Politicians FanBoys are so Dependent on Rigging and are Afraid of E-transmission of results......
The BVAS does not need network to scan and upload the result sheet to iREV. The only thing voters need to do is to make sure the INEC Presiding Officer don't leave the Polling Unit until he has sent the scanned result sheet to the iREV Port. And every agent must ensure they have a copy of the result sheet uploaded in their presence;
Cyberterror: Mike Igini was a politician planted by opposition parties in INEC...
”We assure INEC of our full support towards using electronic voting in 2015. We also appeal to all other political parties, Civil Society Organizations and indeed all Nigerians to join us in pushing for a system that will eliminate the role of thugs and sideline vote thieves during our elections, in addition to making our elections free, fair and credible.
"...While electronic voting is not a magic wand, it is the surest way yet for Nigeria to join the league of countries that have wiped out electoral fraud, which is the worst form of corruption.
This is when Tinubu was advocating for the same issue Igini is worried about. Today, he is against it because he can get in without electoral criminality. Get sense!
It is actually painful. E-voting and transmission of result is possible. Those who inherited a better form of electioneering had mad it worst and worst. Imagine everyone in the APC kicking against BVAS, IREv and technology that can minimize electoral criminality and deepens the democratic process.
Till today! Telcos are still telling the Senate that they are capable of e transmission of election results across the length and breath of Nigeria. Imagine these are the industry players talking not a corrupt rubber-stamped stooges criminals manipulating a country to feather their own nests.
Mike Igini, former resident electoral commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says he regrets spending 10 years with the electoral body.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Igini highlighted the longstanding resistance to fair elections and the personal risks involved, including the killing of his colleague in Kano for attempting to “do the right thing.”
“I spent over 30 years of my life, including 10 practical years in INEC, working to remove the history of our elections from the realm of frustration and pain, so we can give meaning and purpose to the ballot as the best means of expressing the will of the people in a democracy.
To now find out that all that we did was in vain, that’s why I regret that I wasted my 10 years in service of the fatherland because I’d have been a dead man by now.
“However, I would have been a dead man pursuing this cause; my colleague in Kano was killed because we wanted to do the right thing for Nigeria. His entire family wiped out.” He raised concerns about recently proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, cautioning that they could expose presiding officers to severe threats at polling units if approved by the president.
Igini decried the “level of hypocrisy” among those involved in Nigeria’s elections, describing his efforts as ultimately wasted in the face of systemic challenges. As an advocate for electoral integrity, Igini emphasised the need to protect the democratic process and ensure the ballot truly reflects the people’s will.
Imagine Nyesom Wike made that anti-democratic statement and he is still in office. Imagine what all the foreign ambassadors, multinationals and international organizations will be thinking of this nation.
Does rascals like Wike ever thinking about the diplomatic consequences of such behaviours? This country is gone to the dogs.
Politics › Re: Interesting Facts About Dodan Barracks: Nigeria’s Seat Of Power(1966–1991) by Racoon(op): 6:17pm On Feb 25
I have always been wondering about this RSVP issues untill some years ago I understand the meaning.
