The 49th President Party of the Abeokuta Club was held recently in Abeokuta, with a call from prominent traditional rulers for members to work collectively toward the development of the Egba community.
The event, which also featured the induction of new members, was attended by notable dignitaries, including the paramount ruler and Alake of Egbaland, who is the grand patron of the club, Oba Michael Gbadebo; the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola; and the representative of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Olatunde Abudu.
Speaking at the occasion, the President of the Abeokuta Club, Dr. Wale Adeola, described the organization as a socio-cultural movement dedicated to the progress of Abeokuta and its indigenes.
According to him, the club is committed to supporting the development of the Egba community, even beyond its membership.
“Abeokuta Club is not just a social club; it is a movement to uplift Abeokuta and its people. While the club is exclusive to Abeokuta indigenes, we have a broader responsibility to support citizens of the Egba community, whether they are members or not.
We provide scholarships, sponsor training programs, and engage in various philanthropic activities to ensure the community’s progress,” Adeola said.
He added that the club’s initiatives extend to neighboring areas, including Owode, Ifo, Odeda, and other parts of the Egba zone.
“Our focus is on charity and empowerment, ensuring that we leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” Adeola emphasized.
The Abeokuta Club, which was established in 1972 and relocated to Abeokuta in 1976, has played a pivotal role in uniting the Egba people and promoting their welfare.
Festus Kehinde, the Chairman of the Social Committee, highlighted the club’s founding vision of fostering unity and ensuring the active participation of the Egbas in state and national development.
“The principal objective of the Abeokuta Club is to place the Egba people at the forefront of societal activities in Ogun State and beyond.
Education and youth empowerment remain paramount to us, and we are committed to providing support wherever it is needed,” Kehinde said.
He noted that the club’s move to Abeokuta was driven by the need to align its headquarters with its mission of local development.
“Our founding fathers believed it was vital for the club to be rooted in Abeokuta, where it could directly impact the Egba community,” he added.
In their speeches, the traditional rulers present, including the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, urged members to uphold the club’s legacy of service and collaboration.
They called on younger members to bring fresh ideas and energy to sustain the club’s objectives and further its impact.
Oba Gbadebo emphasized the importance of unity and continuity in achieving the club’s goals.
“The Abeokuta Club has achieved remarkable milestones over the years. It is now the responsibility of current and new members to build on this foundation and take the club to greater heights,” he said.
The Abeokuta Club remains a men-only organization with over 1,000 active members. While membership is exclusive, the club’s philanthropic efforts extend to all Egba citizens, with a focus on education, youth empowerment, and community development.
Dr. Adeola reiterated the club’s commitment to regeneration, stating, “As older members become inactive, we are bringing in younger members to ensure that the club continues to thrive and adapt to modern challenges. Our goal is to sustain and strengthen the legacy of the Abeokuta Club for generations to come.”
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