In a few weeks’ time, Abeokuta Club will be celebrating its 50 years anniversary of its founding of the club. And it promises to be a grand event befitting of such a historic club. Abeokuta Club, a social and cultural club which became a movement shortly after its inception, is the foremost club in Nigeria.
Its 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 & their friends • Establishing a suitable clubhouse 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 its inception been led by 11 respected individuals namely: (1st) Chairman – Late Chief Sobo Sowemimo, SAN – 1972-1985, (2nd) Chief Olatunde Abudu, CFR – 1985-1988, (3rd) Late Deacon E. Folorunso Oke – 1988-1992, (4th) Late Apostle S.A Alamutu, MON – 1992-1994, (5th) Late Chief L.A Sofenwa, J.P – 1994-1997, (6th) Alhaji Fatai Lawal – 1997-2000, (7th) President Chief A.A Popoola, J.P – 2000-2004, (8th) Late Chief Kuforiji Rotimi – 2004-2007, (9th) Late Chief E.V.O. Koleoso – 2007-2010, (10th) Prof. Afolabi Soyode, J.P – 2011-2014, (11th) Chief Adeniyi Lasaki – 2015-2018, (12th) Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, mni – 2019 – to date.
The General Secretaries from inception to date include:
(1st) Late Deacon Folorunso Oke – 1972-1986 (2nd) Alhaji Fatai Lawal – 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 .B.Oyedele – 2013-2018 (8th) Chief Sesan Okutoro- 2019 – to date.
Let’s tell you about the current Executive Committee members. They include Engr. (Chief) Tokunbo Odebunmi, mni, FNSE – President, Dr Adewale Adeola – 1st Vice President, Alhaji .B. Oyedele – 2nd Vice President, Chief Sesan Okutoro – Hon. General Secretary, Mr Olusola Otesile, mcpn – Assistant General Secretary, Alhaji Jubril Ajose, FCA – Treasurer, Chief Semiu Oganla, FCA – Financial Secretary, Barr. Akinremi Fabunmi – Legal Adviser.
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 Kamarudeen 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. Demola 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.
As a foremost Club that it is, the Alake & Paramount Ruler of Egbaland is the Grand Patron while our other Kabiyesis are Patrons. They are, Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Agura of Gbagura, Olowu of Owu Kingdom and Olubara of Ibara.
As a movement that it is, its prime motive is for the development of Egbaland and indeed Nigeria at large in virtually all areas of human endeavour. It’s on record that the Club initiated the establishment of the then Joint Action Committee of Egba Clubs UAC) now known as Egba Indigenes Global Association which constructed the Olikoye Ransome Kuti Primary Health Centre, Asero handed over to Ogun State Government for management; establishment of Egba Science Education Foundation (ESEF) among others. It has contributed immensely to the development of Commerce, Industry, Religion and the upliftment of designed individuals.
It enjoys tremendous support of a good number of members like His Exc, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR PhD who is equally a Vice Patron; Chief Olatunde Abudu, CFR, Life President & Chairman Board of Trustee; His Exc, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, CFR, a Vice Patron & Trustee; Hon. Justice G. Ademola Bakre, OON, a Life Vice President & Trustee and His Exc, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ogun State & Hon Patron.
The President has called on all, Egba sons both at home and in the diaspora to join the train in the quest to further develop Egbaland to an enviable level to make it compete favourably with other cities, the world over, in the comity of highly developed communities.
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