•As New Members Are Inducted
Ikeja Club in Lagos is 56. And on Friday, 28th October, 2022 all roads led to the Club premises at 23, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos where the club hosted its 2-in-1 party to celebrate its 56th Anniversary and the induction of new members for this year 2022.
It was a colouful event which was well attended by top dignitaries in society. The Emir of Kano, His Imperial Majesty, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero came in his royal splendour. He attended the event, coming all the way from Kano. He was the Royal Father of the day. His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota was also there looking regale.
He was the Royal Special Guest of Honour. There were other royal fathers in attendance like the Oniba of Iba Kingdom, Oba Sulaiman Raji Adesina, (Jafo Authority) the Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaimon Adekunle Bamgbade, Oba Najeem Aberejo, (Alakesan) the Onishasha of Shasha Kingdom, Oba Bababtunde Nasiru Akanbi Lawal and many Obas.
A lot of other dignitaries were present like Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu of Lagos and Yeye Oodua of the Source. She was the Royal Mother of the day. Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande the former Minister of Industry was the Mother of the day. She sent a representative. The Chairman of the event was Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, the Chairman of Island Club.
Also in attendance was Chief Oyin Jolayemi the founder of Daily Need Industries Ltd.
Other dignitaries included Amb. Dr. Asabe Shehu Yar’Adua, the Founder & President of her Foundation which seeks to lay a solid foundation for sustainable poverty reduction, Woman Empowerment, Fight Against Child Abuse and many more.
BUA Group was represented by Engr. Abe, the MD BUA Mining. He represented the GMD, Rabiu Samad. Football icon, Segun Odegbami who turned 70 recently was there. Fela’s age long Manager, Baba Ani came. Also invited was Hon. Lola Akande, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce & Industry. Also in attendance was the Special Adviser, Min of Economic Planning & Budget, Aare Adebayo Sodade, Dr. Akeem Abayomi, Deputy Deen Faculty of Science (UNILAG) represented Prof. Babajide Alo, renowned Prof. of Science. He got a Life Time Achievement Award.
Music was by King Sunny Ade. He loves Ikeja Club. He has played for the club before. He gave a scintillating performance that lasted till 6.15am the next day, at the Ajose Gardens venue of the club.
At the event, the induction of 57 new members took place. Many of them are high profile personalities like Apostle Kehinde Adewale Showemimo, the Chairman of PCRC Lagos State, Nasir Adegboyega Isiaka (GNI), a popular Ogun politician who is the APC House of Reps candidate for Yewa North, Prof. Alexander Olakintan De-Souza, a retired Director of Sports in Lagos State and a member of Exco in Yoruba Kamorudeen Aja Danjuma and his friend Mr. Babatunde Ayekoti. Both are Island Club members. There is also Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the current Commissioner for Transportation in Ogun State. He was former Technical Director of LAMATA.
There is also Olusola Egbesola, the President of Abeokuta Sports Club, Chief Abdullahi Falana, Ashaolu Olanrewaju Micheal, and Jolly Ikponwuosa Obazee, Kayode Joseph Ajimati among many others.
There were a few Nigerians who were also celebrated as Awardees. They are Her Royal Highness, ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU, The Erelu of Lagos & Yeye Oodua of the Source – Life Time Achievement Award For Service To Humanity, His Excellency, Brigadier-general Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) – Merit Award For Integrity &’service To The Nation, His Excellency, DR. KAYODE FAYEMI, former Governor, Ekiti State and former Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals Development – Award Of Excellence For Meritorious, Service To The Nation.
Mr. Sunday Dare, the Hon. Minister of Youths & Sports – Award For Exceptional Performance & Achievement In Youth & Sports Development, Dr. Fredrick Oladeinde, the Hon. Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State – Merit Award For Excellent Performance In Efficient Transport System In Lagos State, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, the Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Lagos State – Merit Award For Spectacular Performance In Maintenance Of Peaceful Co-existence In Lagos State, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission – Award Of Excellence For Distinguished Leadership In Sports Development, Dr. (AMB.) Mrs. Asabe Shehuyar’Adua – Merit Award For Integrity In Enterpreneurship & Service To Humanity.
Aare AdetolaemmanuelKing, Group Managing Director/CEO, ADRON Group of Companies – Award For Excellent Leadership In Real Estate Development, Comrade Akinola Ebenezer Oladejo, National Chairman, NUPENG – Award Of Excellence For Qualitative Leadership In Oil & Gas Sector, and Otunba Oyin Jolayemi, Chairman/CEO, Daily Needs Ltd – Award Of Excellence For Quality Production & Service To Humanity
Mobile Oilnig Plc, Unilevernig Plc, Award Of Distinction & Integrity For Quality Products.
Ikeja Club is run by an Exco called The Management Council made up of distinguished Chief Ayodeji Randle – President, Prince Musedik Adeleke – Vice President, Hon. Tunde Apalara – General Secretary, Elder Samuel Olanrewaju – Treasurer, Chief OlatunjiAwoniyi – immediate Past Social Secretary, Engr. Isaac Omopariola – immediate Past Financial Secretary, Mr. Shola Adeleke – immediate Past Bar Secretary, Chief John Patrick – Welfare Officer (Premises), Mr. Shamsideen Sholarin – Welfare Officer (Members), Mr. Segun Soloki – Sports Secretary, Barrister Lukman Imam – immediate Past Ex-Officio Member, Abayomi Akin Omoyinmi Esq. – immediate Past Legal Adviser, Ahaji Taofeek Adetoro – Financial Secretary, Mr. Mustapha Dawodu – Social Secretary, Mr. Segun Faloju – immediate Past Internal Author, Dr. Femi Balogun – Chairman, Billiards/Snookers, Otunba Sunday Ogunwande – Chairman, Darts, Prince (Barr.) Yemi Adetiba – Chairman, Domestic Games, Engr. Semiu Abolade – Chairman, Lawn Tennis, Surv. David Taiwo – Chairman, Swimming, Prince Olalere Shoyombo – Chairman, Table Tennis.
The Planning Committee of the anniversary event did a good job. The committee is made up of the following members:
Dr. Femi Balogun – Chairman who was on top of his game. Others are Mr. Shamsideen Sholarin – Member, Chief Emmanuel Awoniyi – Member, Otunba Adebiyi Olaibi – Member, Chief John Patrick Nwosu – Member, Otunba Sunday Oladokun – Member, Mr. Segun Kowontan – Member, Mr. Mustapha Daodu – Member, Barr. Lukman Imam – Member, Mr. Shola Adeleke – Member, Mr. Segun Soloki – Member, Comrade Segun Ekun – Member, Mr. Kayode Adegbite – Member, Mr. Tony Awe – Member, Mr. Fisayo Samuel – Member, Alhaji Taofeek Adetoro – Secretary.
Many don’t know that Ikeja Club is a club with a rich history. We can tell you. Ikeja Club, described by one of the foundation members as “a child of circumstance”, came into being following the realization of the need for a serene place of decent relaxation and socialization after work. The initial idea came from Alhaji A.T. Animashaun, who drew from his experience as a member of The Black Table in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. He invited late Chief S.O. Onasanya and late S.A. Otunkoya. The three gentlemen met at the then Victoria Hotel, Ikeja. Alhaji A.T. Animashuan disclosed his vision of a prominent social club.
The three founding fathers agreed to invite other friends who attended the maiden meeting on 27th July, 1966 at Victoria Hotel, Ikeja.
Those that attended the maiden meeting along with the pioneers included: Late Mr. Abiodun Akerele – Nigerian Textile Mills Ltd., Late Chief Ben Olaiya – Nigerian Textile Mills Ltd., Prince Adekoya Dairo – Dunlop Nigeria Ltd., Mr. M.O. Omokanwaiye – Western Nigeria Housing Corporate, Chief T.O. Akinwolere – A Businessman, Mr. Felix Agbonselobho – Dealer-Mobil Petrol Station Maryland, Prince Bisi Ojelade – American Embassy, late Mr. Abimbola Pitan – American Embassy, Mr. Adekayaoja – ECN (now PHCN).
The following were appointed as officers during the maiden meeting: Chief Abiodun Akerele – President, Prince Adekoya Dairo – Vice President, Alhaji A.T.Animashuan – Secretary, Mr. Felix Agbonselobho – Treasurer, Chief T. O. Akinwolere – Financial Secretary, Mr. S.O. Otukoya – Social Secretary, Mr. S.O. Onasanya – Ex-Officio, Mr. M.O. Omokanwaiye – Ex-Officio.
The inaugural meeting of the Club was held at Victoria Hotel, Ikeja. Three other meetings were held at the venue. The Club shifted its meeting venue to Mr. M.O. Omokanwaiye’s residence on Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja. Four (4) meetings were held there. Chief T.O. Akinwolere volunteered the use of the top of his decked building at No.156, Isheri Road now 134, Awolowo Way (Adetiba House) at Balogun Bus-Stop, Ikeja. Meetings were held at this venue for over one year. The membership strength of the Club increased with the inclusion of Mr. T.O. Gbajobi, Albert Olubakinde, Tokunboh Alli, TA. Awoleye, Gregory Asemota, Pade Odanye, Afolabi Fadairo, Mr. Omoyele (Alias Omo Agege), Mr. Ajetunmobi and others.
Consequently, the executive membership increased with the appointment of some new members to executive positions. Thereafter, the Club moved into a rented flat at No.19, Olowu Street, Ikeja.
Then came movement to permanent site. How did that happen? Late Akinola Ajose, then Assistant Secretary in the service of Lagos State Government, informed members about a building used by the colonial District Officers. The use of the building was abandoned because of the flooding of the area. Members were advised to see the late Aba Johnson, the then Secretary to the State Government, who was also a close friend of late Abiodun Akerele, the then President of the Club. Following necessary contacts that were made, the Club was advised to submit formal application to the then State Governor, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, for consideration. The application was submitted in June, 1971.
The late Akinnola Ajose monitored the application up to the approval stage and delivered the keys of the building to the Club in September, 1971. Thereafter, the Club faced the problem of flooding in the area. Members took various actions to minimize the effect of flooding on the use of the Club premises – such actions included construction of temporary foot bridges and tarring of the whole compound.
At this juncture, let all of us pay tributes to the vision and efforts of our founding fathers. To those of them who have answered the call of the Almighty, may their souls res t in perfect peace (AMEN); and to those that are alive, we say a big thank you for job well done. May you all live long, amen.
Let’s tell you about the past Presidents of Ikeja Club. They are as follows: Chief A. Akerele (Late) – 1967-1973, Mr. B. Olowu (Late) – 1973-1974, Chief T. O. Akinwolere – 1974-1975, Prince E. Akinola Ajose (Late) – 1975-1977, Engr. Chief E.o. Oluwole – 1977-1980, Chief Idowu Ogunbanwo (Late) – 1980-1982, Chief Akin Cole (Late) – 1982-1985, Chief A. Omoyinmi (Late) – 1985-1987, Otunba R. Komolafe (Late) – 1987-1990, Chief C.F.I Olaniyan (Late) – 1990-1991, Chief M.K.O. Fayoyin (Late) – 1991-1993, Chief G. A. Bickersteth – 1993-1996, Chief Shola Ogunsanya (Late) – 1996-1999, Alhaji M. O. Adenusi – 1999-2002, Mr. S. A. Fadire – 2002-2005, Alhaji Y. P. O. Sholarin (Late) – 2005-2008, Aare Francis Tola Odunuga Jp (Late) – 2008-2011, Engr. Oluwanishola Olaofe – 2011-2014, Prince Ademola Adunola – 2014-2017, Elder Sunday Ajilore Jp – 2017 – 2020, Chief Ayo Randle – August 2020 till date.
Lets tell you about the General Secretaries of Ikeja Club. They are as follows: Alhaji A.T. Animashaun – 1967-1973, Mr. Itan Omoniyi – 1973-1976, Mr. Y. Abiodun – 1976-1977, Chief C.F.I. Olaniyan (Late) – 1977-1980, Chief A. Omoyinmi (Late) – 1980-1983, Chief O. Ogunsaya (Late) – 1983-1986, Chief Tayo Kehinde (Late) – 1986-1988, Mr. O. Osholake – 1988-1989, Mr. A. Ayeni (Late) – 1988-1990, Mr. D. Aderinola – 1990-1993, Mr. Alfred Ewuola – 1993-1996, Mr. Idowu Kuyinu – 1996-1999, Mr. S. Q. Ologbe (Late) – 1999-2002, Mr. Tunde Adejuyigbe – 2002-2003, Engr. Albert Sosu – 2003-2005, Mr. Ademola Adisa (Late) – 2005-2006, Chief (Barr.) P. U. Uzoka (Late) – 2006-2009, Barr. Abayomi Akin Omoyinmi – 2009 – 2010, Barr. Prince Adekunle Ajasa – 2010 – 2012, Otunba Sunday Oladokun – 2012 – 2015, Barr. Lukman Imam – 2015-2018, Barr. Gbenga Ajisafe – 2018 – 2021, Comrade Tunde Apalara – AUG. 2021 till date.
How about the Trustees of Ikeja Club? They are also men of timbre & calbibre like:: High Chief T.O. Akinwolere, Alhaji A. T. Animashaun, Chief Aremu Akindele, Surv. (Chief) Olukunle Akinola, Chief Ayodeji Randle, Otunba (Engr.) Oluwanisola Olaofe, Dig Babatunde Kokumo Mni.
How about the Patrons of Ikeja Club? We can tell you? They are as follows: High Chief S. A. Olawore, Alhaji M.O. Adenusi, Alhaji Baale R.A. A. Seriki Aro, Elder Samuel Fadire, Prince Olusegun Adedoja, Prince Ademola Adunola, Elder Sunday Ajilore (JP), Otunba (Dr.) Kayode Adesina, High Chief Charles Osisami.
