Ake Palace, the seat of the Alake of Egbaland was agog few days ago, as Oba Adedotun Gbadebo (CFR), the Alake & Paramount Ruler of Egbaland celebrated 15th years Coronation Anniversary. The respected monarchy also installed new chiefs into various vacant stool while some new ones were also installed.
The event which paraded many celebrity women of style, business tycoon industrialist to mention.
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engineer Noimat Salako-Oyedele who represented Ogun Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun.
Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, who was supported by all Egba High Chiefs and many Ogun Obas installed his new chiefs.
Who are the new Alake Chiefs? How were they selected? City People investigations reveal that the 4 geographical zones in Egbaland have chiefs in Alake’s palace.
The Igbein are always the ones who present the Iyalode and Otun Iyalode And this is applicable to all the major zones in Egbaland. The Apena are always from Itokun and soon and so forth.
Don’t also forget that some of the chiefs are also honourary. The honourary stool were also given to prominent Ogun son’s and daughter’s who have contributed immensely to the development of Ogun in general.
Below are the stories of Alake’s 20 new Chiefs.
AARE ADESINA IDOWU ADEGOKE, EGBALAND BECOMES NEW OLOTU EGBA
Chief Adesina Idowu Adegoke was born in the mid-sixties. His father hailed from Ibadan, Oyo State while his mother was from Itori Oke, Abeokuta.
Chief Adesina Idowu Adegoke attended Bishop Oluwole Memorial School, Ifako, Agege, Lagos. Thereafter, he was at the Holy Trinity Grammar School, Old Ife Road, Ibadan. He later attended the University of Ibadan where he bagged the B.Sc (Biochemistry) in 1983.
Aside of the foregoing, he has attended various local and international courses, including Masters in Business Administration at the prestigious Lagos Business School (Pan Atlantic University, Lagos), Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, and London Management Centre, among others.
Chief Adesina Idowu Adegoke is a business professional with over 30 years experience, 20 of which is in a Senior Management position. He is a Biochemist, Food Chemist, Brewer and a Distiller of note.
He is currently the General Manager, Plant Operations of Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Ota with knack for quality and efficiency. He is a seasoned entrepreneur, with passion for excellence in service delivery, time management and customer satisfaction with eyes for details.
LAGOS BIZWOMAN, ALHAJACHIEF (MRS.) SIKIRAT EJIDEADEYANJU, (a.k.a. SOCOPAO) AARE IYALODE EGBA
Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Sikirat Ejide Adeyanju was born into Ijaye and Arinlese parentages in Abeokuta. Her father, late Chief Idowu Babarinsa of Ijaye community, whose parents hailed from both Ogun and Konjo-Adi compounds at the Oke Idiroko Section of Ijaye. Her mother was Madam Simbiat Adufe Idowu Babarinsa, daughter of Balogun Arawo, Arinlese, Abeokuta.
Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Sikirat Ejide Adeyanju attended the Muslim Mission Primary School, Mushin, Lagos and had her primary six certificate in 1960. She furthered her education at the Western College of Commerce, Yaba, Lagos, one of the few Secondary Schools offering Commercial and Business Education subjects in Nigeria at that time.
Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Sikirat Ejide Adeyanju started her business career in Lagos in the 1970s, selling clothing materials and other related business lines. She later expanded her business interest by travelling abroad in 1978, which involved buying and selling of imported clothes, shoes and bags of high qualities.
In 2005, she veered into investment as a Real Estate Developer in Oshodi, which has become a major part of the success story of the growth of her businesses today. She has, in fact, cut her teeth as an acumen businesswoman many years ago in Lagos.
IBADAN BIZWOMAN, ALHAJA CHIEF (MRS.) TAOFEEKAT AFOLABI IS NOW OTUN IYALODE EGBA
Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Taofeekat Abolaji Afolabi was born in the mid-sixties into the family of Alhaji TIamiyu Atanbala Babayemi and Alhaja Fatimot Babayemi of Ikereku, Abeokuta.
Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Taofeekat Abolaji Afolabi attended the Alafia Nursery School, followed by Isabatudeen Secondary School. She later proceeded to The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Thereafter, she attended The Aviation School for a course in Air Hospitality and graduated with an IATA Certification.
Alhaja Chief ( Mrs.) Taofeekat Abolaji Afolabi trained in textile business under her mother at the famous old Gbagi Market in Ibadan. After acquiring deep knowledge, she moved to the new Gbagi Market, Ibadan, where she started her own franchise. This was her pivot to success as she ventured into other business lines, all of which are very successful. These include: • Real Wax Clothing (Ankara) under the brand name “TAO HI TARGET” • Battery Sale under the brand name “TAO BATTERY” • Importation of Candles under the trade name “TAO CANDLES” • Trading in “BJ” quality soap
Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Taofeekat Abolaji Afolabi has diversified her business interest into the hospitality industry. She has commissioned her 72-room Four-Star Hotel, named “PALMS 77″ located at the Ikolaba area, Agodi, Ibadan.
REAL ESTAE BOSS, CHIEF YEMI LAWAL Is OSI BOBAGUNWA
Chief Saheed Adeyemi Lawal was born into the family of late Alhaji Lawal Olawale Akanji Odutolu and Alhaja Hafsat Lawal of Baasuru Compound, Totoro Road, Sokori, Gbagura, Abeokuta.
Chief Saheed Adeyemi Lawal attended the following higher educational institutions, after the successful completion of his secondary school education: • Delta State University- B.Sc. (Economics) • University of Lagos – MBA • Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN)
Aside of the foregoing, he attended various courses, both in Nigeria and overseas in Oil and Gas, Banking, Finance and General Management. These include: • Kennedy School of Architecture, Harvard University, USA – Real Estate and Capital Market Programme.
• Harvard Business School, Boston, USA- General Management Programme.
He is an Alumnus of Lagos Business School and the Harvard Business School. He is currently pursuing a Law Programme at the University of London. He is the Chairman of Seagle.
HIS WIFE, CHIEF (MRS.) AYOTUNDE LAWAL IS ERELU OSI BOBAGUNWA
Chief (Mrs.) Ayotunde Olambiwoninu Olasumbo Lawal was born in the early sixties. She is an indigene of Iperu Remo in the Ikenne Local Government of Ogun State.
The educational background of Chief (Mrs.) Ayotunde Olambiwoninu Olasumbo Lawal is presented hereunder: • Enugu State University of Science and Technology – MBA (Marketing) 1997-1999 • The University of Lagos, Akoka, – B.Sc. (Sociology) – 1982-1985 • Alexandra College, Miltown, Dublin, Dublin, Ireland – A’Level lrish Leaving Certificate – 1980 – 1982, O’Level lrish Leaving Certificate • Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode, O’Level 1974-1980.
She co-run Seagle Oil and her husband many businesses.
CHIEF OMOLAJAAYODELE MAJEKODUNMI, IS (ASIWAJU AKINROGUN OF EGBALAND
Chief Omolaja Ayodele Majekodunmi was born in the early seventies into the Majekodunmi family of Igbore, Abeokuta.
He belong to: • The Chartered Institute of Cost and Management Accountants, Kaduna, Fellow of Cost and Management Accountants • Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso MBA (Financial Management) • Nigerian College of Accountancy, Jos Certified National Accountant/ANAN • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Accounting Technician Scheme • Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta Higher National Diploma • Igbore High School, Abeokuta.
CHIEF SAMUEL OKANLAWON OSO IS ERUKU EGBA
Chief Samuel Okanlawon Oso was born in the early fifties at Ifote, Oke Sapon, Abeokuta.
Chief Samuel Okanlawon Oso, after the completion of his primary school education, attended Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta.
• As an Employee. Chief Samuel Okanlawon Oso had a brief stint as a teacher under the Abeokuta Schools Board,
before he secured an appointment as a Clerical Officer at the GB Olivant/BEAM, a Division of UAC Plc, Lagos, where he worked between 1974 and 1977. He later worked as a Purchasing Officer with Messrs GOTOS Construction Ltd., Lagos between 1977 and 1978. Chief Okanlawon Oso later served as the Production/Sales Manager with Messrs Unique Construction, Quarry Division, Oniyanrin, Abeokuta between 1978 and 1979.
OGUN BUSINESSWOMAN, CHIEF (MRS.)VICTORIA ADEYINKAOSO IS ERELU ERUKU
Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Adeyinka Oso was born in the early eighties into the family of Mr. & Mrs. Sunday Adeyemo of Igbo-Ora in the Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Adeyinka Oso attended the L.A. Primary School, Idofin, Igbo-Ora, Oyo
State. She later attended Ogboja Grammar School, Pako, Igbo-Ora. She proceeded thereafter, to the Technical School, Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State.
Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Adeyinka Oso is into private business.
Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Adeyinka Oso is in happy matrimony with Chief Samuel Okanlawon Oso
and they have been blessed with promising children.
CHIEF (MRS.) OMOLARA OLANREWAJU ROTIMI-SHOJOBI, IS SERIKI ERELU-EGBA
Chief (Mrs.) Omolara Olanrewaju Rotimi-Shojobi was born into the family of late Chief Aduramo Rotimi who held the traditional title of Oluwo of Kemta township and Oluwo Egba during his lifetime. Her late father hailed from the Pagbon Rotimi Compound in Kemta. Her late mother, Chief (Mrs.) Dolapo Aboaba-Rotimi, hailed from the Aboaba Olode Okuta family of Igbein, who was Balogun Egba during his lifetime. While her paternal lineage held the title of Oluwo Egba, that of her maternal lineage held that of Balogun Egba. The two families therefore, held important positions and participated actively in the Administration of Egbaland.
Chief (Mrs.) Omolara Olanrewaju Rotimi-Shojobi attended Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School
(AGGS), between 1972 and 1977. After high school, she attended a two-year programme at the Technical School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. On successful completion of the programme, she proceeded to the City College of Management Studies in London where she obtained a Diploma in Marketing Communication Studies. She later attended the Magna Carta College, Oxford, where she bagged the B.A. (Hons) in Business Management.
Chief (Mrs.) Omolara Olanrewaju Rotimi-Shojobi worked for Civtra International from 1986 to 1988 after which she joined Goldsby Energy Nigeria Limited, an Oil Servicing Company.
She later joined Morin Investments Ltd. as a Director. In 1993, she founded Larush Property, a Real Estate Company with interest in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She is the Chief Executive of the company.
Lagos SENIOR SPECIAL ADVISER, S. A. CHIEF ADEBAYO OLUKAYODE SODADE IS Onigege Tayese
Chief Adebayo Olukayode Sodade, a scion of the famous Esado-Sodade family of Igbein, Abeokuta was born in the late fifties into the family of Mr. Adeniji Sodade of blessed memory and Mrs. Ruth Abike Sodade.
Chief Adebayo Olukayode Sodade attended the following higher educational institutions after he successfully completed the secondary school education: • University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom M.sc (Development Finance) – 1990 • University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria – B.Sc (Hons) (Economis) – 1982.
HIS WIFE, CHIEF (MRS.) VICTORIA OLABISI SODADE IS THE ERELU ONIGEGE TAYESE EGBA
Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olabisi Sodade was born in Iyere Kingdom, Owo Local Government in
Ondo State into the family of Chief Ibrahim Adelana (Ojimah of Ujimah Land, Iyere Kingdom) and Alhaja Asanat Adelana.
Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olabisi Sodade started her early education in Owo but later continued at the State High School, Ipaja, Alimosho Local Government, Lagos State where she sat for her West African School Certificate Examination and passed brilliantly. She then proceeded to Lagos State Polytechnic for her HND in Insurance. In further search for the Golden Fleece, Chief (Mrs) Victoria Olabisi Sodade proceeded to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso for her Master in Business Administration (M BA), specializing in Marketing. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria.
Chief (Mrs) Sodade worked briefly abroad at Birmingham Maternity Hospital and Austin Rovers, both in Birmingham, United Kingdom before returning home to become a consummate business tycoon. She is the Founder and CEO of: • Vikky Enterprises • Solad Ventures • Esad Jewelry Palace • Managing Director/CEO of Esado Group of Hotels.
U.K. NURSE, CHIEF MICHAEL ADEBOWALE SODIPO, IS BOBAMULURO OF EGBALAND
Chief Michael Adebowale Sodipo was born in Abeokuta over sixty years ago into the family of Chief Samuel Olufemi Sodipo and Chief (Mrs.) Matilda Ayokunnu Sodipo.
Chief Michael Adebowale Sodipo had his primary school education at St. Peter’s Primary School, Ake, Abeokuta. He was at the Premier College, Abeokuta, Abeokuta Grammar School and Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro for his secondary school education. He became a Psychiatric Nurse upon graduation from the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta in 1977. Thereafter, he graduated as a General Nurse from the Ogun State School of Nursing, Abeokuta in 1983.
HIS WIFE, CHIEF(MRS.) ADEKUNBIADE RONKE SODIPO, J.P, IS ERELU BOBAMULURO
Chief (Mrs.) Adekunbi Aderonke Sodipo was born in the mid-fifties into the family of late Pa. Mutairu Adekanbi Koiki and late Alhaja Falilatu Koiki of Ijebu Ode.
Chief (Mrs.) Adekunbi Aderonke Sodipo attended Christ Church School, Porogun, Ita-Alapo, Ijebu Ode for her primary school education. She thereafter, attended Our Lady’s Girls’ High School, Ile-Ife. She had her nursing training at the Ogun State School of Nursing, Ijebu-Ode.
Chief (Mrs.) Adekunbi Aderonke Sodipo had a brief teaching experience with the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission between 1976 and 1977. She later worked as a professional Nurse at these Government hospitals: • Ogun State Hospital, then at Idi-Aba (now Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta) • Ogun State Hospital, Sokenu • Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital, Ijemo • Ogun State Ministry of Health (ogun State Health Board).
• Chief (Mrs.) Adekunbi Aderonke Sodipo left the shores of Nigeria for Saudi Arabia in 1990 where she worked as a professional Nurse for a period of 7 years. She thereafter, left Saudi Arabia for the United Kingdom where she worked with the NHS as a Permanent and Locum Nurse and Midwife.
Aside of her nursing career, Chief (Mrs.) Adekunbi Aderonke Sodipo trades in latest Lace materials and Jewelries of high quality which necessitated her frequent travels within Europe, Asia and the Far East. In spite of her busy schedules, Chief (Mrs.) Adekunbi Aderonke Sodipo is actively involved in some charitable activities.
CHIEF OLUWASEUN OLAJIDE TAIWO, IS BAGBAJE EGBA
Chief Oluwaseun Olajide Taiwo hails from Isaga Orile in Abeokuta North Local Government.
He is a descendant of the Adeyemi Royal Family through his maternal lineage. The Adeyemi Royal Family is from the Olojunimu compound of Isado in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Chief Oluwaseun Olajide Taiwo is a graduate of the Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye with the Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial and Labour Relations.
HIS WIFE, (MRS.) MOYOSORE ATINUKE JIDE-TAIWO, IS ERELU BAGBAJE-EGBA
Chief (Mrs.) Moyosore Atinuke Jide-Taiwo was born into the family of late Pa. Emmanuel Ayodele Adesanya of Ikereku in Abeokuta North Local Government of Ogun State.
Chief (Mrs.) Moyosore Atinuke Jide-Taiwo attended Lagos State University where she graduated with B.Sc (Philosophy). She later obtained a Masters’ Degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos.
HAJIACHIEF(MRS.) MEDINAH SIMILOLAOLUWA IS ADEGBITE
Hajia Chief (Mrs.) Medinah Similolaoluwa Ajoke Adegbite was born in the mid-sixties into the family of late Sheik Imam Abdul Wahab Olaonipekun Aminu, from Owu, Abeokuta who was a large-scale farmer during his lifetime and Alhaja Ramdat Arinola Aminu, a Lagos-based businesswoman from Oke-Ona Egba.
Hajia Chief (Mrs.) Medinah Similolaoluwa Ajoke Adegbite was enrolled with a teacher in the neighbourhood of the residence of her parents in Lagos, called Aunty Funke, at age 3 because of her early enthusiasm for learning. Thereafter, her brilliance enabled her to gain admission into St. Philip Primary School, Ilupeju, Lagos in 1969.
In her fifth year in primary school, she sat for a common entrance examination and passed. She was, therefore, admitted into the Lagos Secondary Commercial Academy, Association Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos. She completed secondary school education with an outstanding result and her excellent performance was attested to by the school’s authority.
Chief (Mrs.) Medinah Similolaoluwa Ajoke Adegbite thereafter got admitted to study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos in 1980. Unfortunately, she decided to withdraw her studentship from UNILAG to take care of her ailing mother. That uncommon decision however, received Allah’s support as her mother’s health received divine restoration.
Hajia Chief (Mrs.) Medinah Similolaoluwa Ajoke Adegbite faced the future with high optimism. She attended the Revlon Realistic School of Cosmetology, Iluupeju, Lagos from where she graduated as a Cosmetologist. Highly determined, Hajia Chief (Mrs.) Medinah Similolaoluwa Ajoke Adegbite undertook a Part-time degree course at the University of Lagos and graduated, thus satisfied her dream of a University education, at Allah’s own time.
Hajia Chief (Mrs.) Medinah Similolaoluwa Ajoke Adegbite served as a representative of Clem Nigeria Limited at the Company’s Corporate Office, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The Chairman/CEO of the company is Chief Oluyinka Kufile, Oluwo Ijemo and Aro Egba. She left the Company in 1987 and went into private business.
BALOGUN OF EGBA’S SON, CHIEF LUKMON OLAJIDE ATOBATELE IS DAGUNJA EGBALAND
Chief Lukmon Olajide Atobatele was born in the mid-seventies into the family of High Chief Alhaji Sikirulai Olatunde Atobatele, Balogun Egba and late Alhaja Bilikisu Iyabode Atobatele of Atobatele Compound, Ita Agemo, Igbein Abeokuta.
Chief Lukmon Olajide Atobatele attended Ogba Primary School and later Abeokuta Grammar School for his secondary school education. He proceeded, thereafter, to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State from where he obtained both B.Tech (Applied Physics) and Master in Business Administration.
OGUN BIZWOMAN, CHIEF (MRS.) HALIMAT OLASHALEWA BAKARE IS ASOJU IYALAJE
Chief (Mrs.) Halimat Olashalewa Bakare (nee Lawal) was born in the late seventies into the family of late Alhaji Sikiru Lawal of Ijebu Igbo and Alhaja (Chief) Kudirat Lawal (nee Alamutu) of Mokola, Abeokuta and the Iyaloja of Rounder Market, Abeokuta.
Chief (Mrs.) Halimat Olashalewa Bakare attended the Muslim Nursery and Primary School, Mokola, Abeokuta. She later attended the Egba High School, Asero, Abeokuta for her secondary school education. She proceeded thereafter, to the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta where she graduated in Business Administration. She also holds a Diploma in Computer Science.
Chief (Mrs.) Halimat Olashalewa Bakare is the Chief Executive Officer of SHABAQ Global
Investment. She has also floated an NGO, named SHABAQ Ladies Foundation, which has empowered many people since its establishment.
MEET CHIEF O. SOWEMIMO OLAMIDE SHONEKAN, IS ODOLE EGBA
The educational history of Chief O. Sowemimo Olamide Shonekan is provided hereunder: • London Business School -Investment Management Programme – 2004 – 2005 • London Business School – Post Graduate Management Studies – 1991-1992 • University College, London -B.Sc (Hon) (Civil Engineering) – 1984 – 1987 • Rossall School, Lancs, – School Prefect; House Captain; School UK Captain (Athletics) – 1977-1984 • Methodist Boys High School, Lagos/Corona School, Ikoyi – 1972-1975, 1975 – 1977.
OIL & GAS BIG BOY, AREMO AKINROGUN IS AKINROGUN
The birth of Chief Ibraheem Adebayo Bakare in the early seventies brought triple joy to the family of Chief Olatayo Bakare of Igbein, Abeokuta and Mrs. Temitayo Bakare of the Royal Alatishe family of Ijebu Ode. The trio, Chief Ibraheem Adebayo Bakare, Mr. Adedayo Bakare and Mrs. Adepeju Aileru (nee Bakare) were the first set of triplets in that blessed family.
Chief Ibraheem Adebayo Bakare had his primary school education at the Baptist Primary School, Idi-Aba, his secondary school education at the Lisabi Grammar School, ldi-Aba, Abeokuta. After spending a session at the Lisabi Grammar School, he transferred to Abeokuta Grammar School, where he successfully completed the secondary school education. Chief Adebayo Bakare was at the Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), Abeokuta where he finished as Chemistry major. He thereafter, attended the University of Benin for his Post-Graduate Diploma in Production Engineering.
Chief Ibraheem Adebayo Bakare had his maiden work experience at the Pan Ocean Oil Corporation at Warri, Delta State where he served the Nation as a Youth Corper. On the completion of his mandatory one year National Service, Chief Adebayo Bakare joined the services of UACN Plc. and was seconded to Mr. Biggs Division of the organization. He rose through the ranks by dint of hard work to the position of an Assistant Manager, before he joined Chevron Nigeria Limited.
–ABIOLA ORISILE
