In Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State there is a popular social club called Abeokuta Club. It is one of the foremost clubs in Nigeria. It is also a unique club at that. It is a 48 year old club, which has many illustrious and respected Egba men as members. The roll call of members read like all the who-is-who in Egbaland. It is one club which all eminent Egba indigenes aspire and struggle to join. Over the years, the club has grown to become a Movement.
You must have noticed the club house as you drive into Abeokuta. The club house is located towards the tail end of the Presidential Boulevard, next door to Central Bank, on the road coming into Abeokuta from the highway, which starts from the Sagamu interchange, leading into Abeokuta. At the gate of the club is the big inscription Abeokuta Club.
The big news is that the 46th President Engineer Chief Tokunbo Odebunmi is set to host Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as Trustee. Late Chief MKO Abiola will also be conferred with a Posthumous title of Vice-President. This event will be at the Presidents Party holding this Sunday, 11th April, 2021 at the Millenium Hall of Abeokuta Club.
Let’s tell you a little about the history of the club, whose 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 1, 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 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, namely:
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 Lawal – 1997-2000, 7th President – Chief A. A. Popoola. J.P. – 2000 -2004, 8th President – Late Chief Kuforiji Rotimi – 2004-2007, 9th President – Late Chief E.V.O. Koleoso – 2007-2010, 10th President – Prof. Afolabi Sovode, J.P. – 2011-2014, 11th President – Chief Adeniyi Lasaki – 2015-2018
12th President – Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, (mni) – 2019 – to date.
who are the General Secretaries from inception to date?
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 N.B. Oyedele – 2013-2018, 8th Chief Sesan Okutoro – 2019 – to date.
who are The Current Executive Committee?
President: Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, (mni), First Vice President: Dr. Adewale Adeola, Second Vice President: Alhaji N. Bola Oyedele, Hon. General Secretary: Chief Sesan Okutoro, Assistant General Secretary: Mr. Olusola Otesile (mcpm), Treasurer: Alhaji Jubril Ajose, FCA, Financial Secretary, Chief Semiu Oganla (FCA), Legal Adviser: Barr. Akinremi. Fabunmi.
who are the Committee Chairmen?
Dr. Soji Vaughan – Management Committee, Chief Sofela Sowemimo – Membership Committee, Engr. Mutiu Odesanya – Development Committee, Sports & Games Committee, Elder Jonathan Adebola Adeneye, Youth Dev. Committee, Chief Sina Luwoye, Welfare Committee – Chief Kamarudeen Adedo, Chief Ayodele Koleade – Publicity Committee, Alhaji Samusideen Adenekan – Social Committee, Dr. Nofiu Aigoro – Health Service Committee, Finance Committee, Alhaji Jubril Ajose (FCA), Investments Committee – Sir (Prince) Niyi Olatidoye, Covid-19 Protocols Committee, Engr. Ademola Agboola and ICT Committee, Mr. Olusola Otesile (mcpm).
Ex-officio
HE Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji (rtd), Chief Niyi Adegbenro, ChiefOgo-Oluwa Bankole, Asiwaju Maxwell Ayinla, Alhaji Muyideen ‘Wola Salau, and Engr. Ola Sobande.
