It was fun and merriment all the way on Sunday 11th April, 2021 when Abeokuta Club held its 46th President Party inside the Millenium Hall of the club, located along the Presidential Boulerard at Ibara, next door to the Central Bank building in Abeokuta.
The hall was filled to capacity, as eminent Egba indigenes gathered to celebrate with the current President, Engr. (Chief) Tokunbo Odebunmi (mni, FNSE) who hosted the party which witnessed the investiture of former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) as Trustee and the conferment of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola (GCFR) as Vice-Patron (Poshumous).
ALL ATTENTION WAS ON OBJ
For the first part of the party all attention was diverted on Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who is one of the founding members of Abeokuta Club. It was for his remarkable contributions to the club, Egbaland and Nigeria that he was made a Trustee of the club which was founded on 4th June, 1972 at the residence of its founding President, late Chief Sobo Sowemimo (SAN) in Lagos. It was subsequently formally launched in Abeokuta by the then Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, late Oba Oyebade Lipede on his coronation day, 5th August, 1972.
Chief Obasanjo arrived early and his award plague was given to him by the current Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
WHAT OBJ, MKO & ALAKE HAVE IN COMMON
Not many people know that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and the Alake of Egbaland Oba Aremu Gbadebo attended the same school, BBHS in Abeokuta.
During his remarks, OBJ thanked the Abeokuta Club members for honouring him and his school mate, M.K.O. It was then he revealed that they went to the same school, BBHS in Abeokuta. He lamented the fact that MKO never made it to become President because of the annulment. The Alake also mentioned that he went to the same school with MKO. “He was my senior at BBHS”, revealed Alake. I never met him. He left in December 1956. I came in January 1957. The school cert result came out in March of 1957 and MKO was one of those with the best result.
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT
The event was hosted by the President of Abeokuta Club, Eng. (Chief) Tokunbo Odebunmi (mni, FNSE). It was a classy event planned by 24 members. Below are the members of the 46th President Party Planning Committee. They are: (1.) Alhaji N. B. Oyedele as Chairman, (2.) Chief Sesan Okutoro (3.) Engr. Ademola Agboola (4.) Hon. Sola Otesile as Secretary (5.) Mr. Oluyinka Oyelola (6.) Engr. Lanre Bisiriyu (7.) Chief Ayodele Koleade (8.) Dr. Olusoji Vaughan (9.) Alhaji Samsideen Adenekan (10.) Elder Lekan Famuyiwa (11.) Mr. Oluwambe Sogaolu (12.) Chief Afolabi Sodunke (13.) Chief Seni Ogunyemi (14.) Alhaji Taofek Olabode (15.) Chief Soji Olumide (16.) Engr, Kola Obadina (17.) Chief Kehinde Sofenwa (18.) Bashorun Festus Kehinde (19.) Arc. David Majekodunmi (20.) Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade (21.) Alhaji Kamarudeen A. Adedo (22.) Alhaji Jimoh Adisa (23.) Mr. Adekunle Adewolu (24.) Mr. Musibau Adeyeye as Assistant Secretary.
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Dr. Soji Vaughan – Management Committee, Chief Sofela Sowemimo – Membership Committee, Engr. Mutiu Odesanya, FNSE – Development Committee, Elder Jonathan Adebola Adeneye – Sports & Games Committee, Chief Sina Luwoye – Youth Development Committee, Alhaji Karnarudeen Adedo – Welfare Committee, Chief Ayodele Koleade – Publicity Committee, Alhaji Samusideen Adenekan – Social Committee, Dr. Nofiu Aigoro – Health Services Committee, Alhaji Jubril Ajose, FCA – Finance Committee, Sir (Prince) Niyi Olatidoye – Investments Committee, Engr. Ademola Agboola, FNSE – COVID – 19 Protocols Committee, Mr Olusola Otesile, mcpn – ICT Committee.
EX-OFFICIO
HE Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji (rtd), Asiwaju Maxwell Ayinla, Chief Niyi Adegbenro, Chief Ogo-Oluwa Bankole, Alhaji Muyideen ‘Wola Salau, Alhaji Ambali Ishola, Engr. Ola Sobande.
ABOUT ABEOKUTA CLUB
Abeokuta Club, a social and cultural club which became a movement shortly after its inception, is foremost club in Nigeria. It’s inaugural meeting was held on 4th June, 1972 at the residence of its founding President, late Chief Sobo Sowemimo, SAN in Lagos. It was subsequently formally launched
in Abeokuta by the then Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Late Oba Oyebade Lipede I, on his coronation day, 5th August, 1972.
The objectives at that time, included • Providing a social platform for all Egbas & theirfriends • Establishing a suitable club house at Abeokuta • Involvement of all Egbas in the social, cultural, educational and economic • Development of Abeokuta and environs • The revival, promotion and encouragement of the traditions, culture, festivals and customs of Egbaland.
THE CLUB HAS SINCE INCEPTION BEEN LED BY 11 RESPECTED INDIVIDUALS
They are, 1st Chairman late Chief Sobo Sowemimo, SAN-1972-1985. 2nd Chairman Chief Olatunde Abudu, CFR -1985-1988. 3rd Chairman late Deacon E. Folorunso Oke-1988-1992. 4th Chairman late Apostle S.A. Alamutu, MON-1992-1994. 5th Chairman late Chief L.A. Sofenwa, J.P.-1994-1997. 6th Chairman Alhaji Fatai Lawai – 1997-2000. 7th Chairman President Chief A.A. Popoola.LP.-2000-2004. 8th Chairman late Chief Kuforiji Rotimi-2004-2007. 9th Chairman lateChiefE.V.O. Koleoso-2007-2010. 10th Chairman Prof. Afolabi Soyode.J.P.-2011-2014. 11th Chairman Chief Adeniyi Lasaki-2015-2018. 12th Chairman Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, mni -2019 – to date.
GENERAL SECRETARIES FROM INCEPTION TO DATE
1st- late Deacon Folorunso Oke-1972-1986. 2nd- Alhaji Fatai Lawai -1986-1988. 3rd- late Dr. T.A. Ogunmuyiwa-1988-1992. 4th- Prof. Afolabi Soyode-1992-1998. 5th- Chief Adeniyi Lasaki-1998-2010. 6th- Engr. Adeniyi Abiola-2011-2013. 7th- Alhaji N.B. Oyedele-2013-2018. 8th- Chief Sesan Okutoro-2019 – to date.
THE CURRENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President- Engr. (Chief) Tokunbo Odebunmi, mni, FNSE, 1st Vice President-Dr Adewale Adeola, 2nd Vice President-Alhaji N.B. Oyedele, Hon. General Secretary – Chief Sesan Okutoro, Assistant General Secretary – Mr Olusola Otesile, Mcpn, Treasurer-Alhaji Jubril Ajose, FCA, Financial Secretary -Chief Semiu Oganla, FCA , Legal Adviser -Barr. Akinremi Fabunmi.
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Management Committee – Dr. Soji Vaughan, Membership Committee -Chief Sofela Sowemimo, Development Committee -Engr.Mutiu Odesanya, FNSE, Sports & Games Committee -Elder Jonathan Adebola Adeneye, Youth Development Committee – Chief Sina Luwoye, Welfare Committee – Alhaji Kamarudeen Adedo , Publicity Committee – Chief Ayodele Koleade, Social Committee – Alhaji Samusideen Adenekan, Health Services Committee – Dr. Nofiu Aigoro, Finance Committee – Alhaji Jubril Ajose, FCA, Investments Committee – Sir (Prince) Niyi Olatidoye, COVID – 19 Protocols Committee-Engr. Ademola Agboola, FNSE , ICT Committee-Mr Olusola Otesile, Mcpn.
EX- OFFICIO
HE Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji (rtd)-Alhaji Muyideen ‘Wola Salau, Asiwaju Maxwell Ayinla-Alhaji Ambali Ishola, Chief Niyi Adegbenro-Engr. Ola Sobande, Chief Ogo-Oluwa Bankole.
ALAKE CAME WITH HIS HIGH CHIEFS
The Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo didn’t just come alone, he came with what you will call a high powered delegation, made up of some of his key chiefs like; Chief Kehinde Sofenwa-Bantun Egba, Chief Abiodun Odeyemi the Leragun of Egbaland, Otunba Oluseye Prince-Egba in disapora, Chief Joju Fadairo, the Fiwagbayi of Egbaland. He is the former Chairman of Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos. Also in attendance was H.E Captain Rasheed A. Ragi, former MILAD Bauchi & Sokoto States. He is the Baba Adinni & Agbaakin of Egbaland. There was Chief Akani Akinwale, the Bagbimo of Egbaland. He is the Chairman all Egbe General title Worldwide.
Chief Matthew Olu Koleoso, Bobalolu Egba, Chief (Dr) Femi Majekodunmi, the Bada of Egbaland.
High Chief Ganiyu Babayeju-Alemo, Balogun Ijaye, Aare Onakakanfo of Egbaland.
High Chief Oluwatosin Fadare, Seriki of Egbaland, High Chief Bode Mustapha, Osi of Egbaland,
High Chief Maxwell Ayinla, Asiwaju of Egbaland, Alhaji High Chief Sakirudeen Akingbade, Akingboye of Egbaland, Chief Musibau Iyiolaraed-Aare Akinrogun of Egbas and Baaroyin Layi Labode.
GRAND OAK PROVIDED COCKTAIL
At the party, Grand Oak Ltd welcomed guests with delicious chilled pineapple cocktails. They had beautiful ushers who served the drinks to all the guests.
PRESIDENT’S WIFE LOOKED RADIANT
At the party, Chief Mrs. Jokotade Odebunmi the pretty wife of the President looked radiant. She entertained her guests upstairs. She is based in Abuja, but spends more time in Abeokuta. In time past, she had been part of the running of Ogun State government under the then Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
AARE DR.KOLA OYEFESO STOOD IN FOR BABA IJEBU
Members of Abeokuta Club are all Egba people. But on Saturday 18th January, 2020 at the 45th President Party, the club conferred on Sir. Chief Dr. Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu (the Odole Oodua) the title of 1st Honorary member. He is an Ijebuman from Iperu-remo. He couldn’t attend this last event but sent another big Ijebu man, Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso to represent him. Aare Kola Oyefeso is a distinguished and accomplished Ijebu industrialist who owns KOTCO Transformers.
EBENEZER OBEY’S BAND THRILLED GUESTS
Chief Commander Evangelist Ebenezer Obey was the guest artiste at the 46th President Party. Though Baba couldn’t make it, his band gave a good account of itself. It was as if Baba Obey was around. One of his band boys who sings just like Baba stood in for him and sang all of Obeys Evergreen music which the guests enjoyed. Don’t forget that 80% of the guests are Obeys fans who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. We almost forgot to tell you that 79 year old Ebenezer Obey is also a member of Abeokuta Club. Many don’t know Ebenezer Obey owns a Musical Equipment rental company which is a big music company that lets out state of the Art Equipment.
WHY EVERY EGBA MAN WANTS TO JOIN ABEOKUTA CLUB
Do you know it is the desire of every man to join Abeokuta Club is the most prestigeous club made up of successful and accomplished Egba indigenes?. The current President of the club said the club has as members, Principled Gentlemen from Egbaland. It is a club that all the accomplished egba men all want to join. That is why membership reads like a roll call of successful egba men like late MKO Abiola, Chief Ernest Sonekan and OBJ to mention but a few. The current President, Engr. (Chief) Tokunbo Odebunmi told guests that Abeokuta Club is the 1st club that has produced past Presidents of Nigeria, at 5 different times.
CHIEF BODE MUSTAPHA’S OTHER TITLE
Chief Bode Mustapha is an Egba High Chief. He is the new Osi of Egbaland, a key traditional title. He was formerly the Bobagunwa of Egbaland, before he was promoted to the next level. Many don’t know he is the Balogun Ibadan Egbaland. He was the one who received MKO Abiola’s award on behalf of the Abiola family.
WHY EGBA PEOPLE LIKE ALAKE
Talk about one traditional ruler who enjoys the overwhelming support and love of his people and the name of the Alake will pop up. He is well loved and respected. This is because he is a nice man and a jolly good fellow, who relates to everybody as a father. He performed the investiture of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, while OBJ also gave him his award. Alake is a Grand Patron of the club. He helped to supervise the fund raising by the current Exco to buy 8 standing Air-conditioners for the Abeokuta Club millennium Hall, done during the event.
He got his chiefs and a few members of the club to make pledges to buy the club the fans.
YEMI LAWAL & WIFE STEAL SHOW
Lately, Otunba Yemi Lawal & his beautiful wife Ayo have been attending many A Class events together. They are very close. They were special guests of the President. They came in mid-way into the event and Engr. Odebunmi was so happy to see them. He sat with them all through.
OBJ & HIS BLACK KEEP
Did you know that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is still strong as a fiddle?. Years of playing squash on a daily basis has helped him. When he came down from his black Jeep he jumped down and when he was leaving he jumped in again and every one wondered where Baba gets his energy from.
GUESS ALAKE’S FAVOURITE CAR
The Alake of Egbaland loves good cars. He has a few. His favourite car is his white Mercedes Benz limousine which he loves to drive himself. That was what he brought that day. But he was Chauffeur driven. He has a Rolls Royce which he hardly drives. He has had it for a while.
OBA AGURA ALSO CAME
His Royal Majesty, Oba Saburee Babajide Isola Bakre, the Agura of Gbagura arrived about the same time with the Alake. He was very visible at the party as he helped to give out awards and he received his award also. He is a Patron of the club.
5 ROYAL FATHERS ABEOKUTA CLUB DOES NOT JOKE WITH
Abeokuta Club has 5 royal fathers it tdoes not joke with. They are the Patrons of the Club. They are the Alake of Egbaland, the HRM Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuosho (CON), the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba; HRM Oba (Dr.) Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu (CON) Olowu of Owu kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Oba Jacob Olufemi Omolade (OFR), the Olubara of Ibara, HRM Oba Saburee Babajide Isola Bakre, Agura of Gbagura.
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