Daud Olatunji
Ayetoro, the historic town in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, came alive on Saturday as dignitaries from across the state and beyond converged to witness the official unveiling of the Grand Ayetoro City Club and the launch of its N250 million clubhouse.
The event, held in Ayetoro, attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, government functionaries, academics, and prominent indigenes who hailed the initiative as a milestone in the town’s march towards social, cultural, and economic renaissance.
Among those in attendance were the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka; the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba AbdulAzeez Adelakun; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Kunle Salako, represented by Kamal Lawal; Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, represented by Bolaji Oyeleye; the Otunba of Ayetoro, Otunba Samuel Fashola; former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi; the Executive Secretary of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose; and several other eminent personalities.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the investiture of the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Adelakun, as the Grand Patron of the club, while other distinguished sons and friends of the community, including businessman Ibrahim Dende, were named patrons.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Jendele Hungbo, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Management and Sciences, Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, harped on unity and community consciousness as the bedrock of development.
Prof. Hungbo listed five critical pillars for community growth: consciousness of community identity, partnership across tribes and groups within Yewa, mutual understanding, dedication to development, and unity of purpose.
He lamented that disunity in Ogun West Senatorial District had cost the region the governorship seat for nearly five decades.
“Since the creation of Ogun State 48 years ago, Yewa-Awori has not produced a governor despite three major attempts. The root cause of this failure is our lack of unity. Ogun West must come together if it truly desires to occupy Oke-Mosan,” he charged.
In his goodwill message, Governor Dapo Abiodun, through Commissioner Wasiu Isiaka, described the unveiling of the Grand Ayetoro City Club as historic and in alignment with his administration’s developmental vision.
“I am delighted by this landmark initiative. It is in line with our government’s commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and community development. I urge members of this club to remain united and steadfast. The government will support your programmes, but you must also seek private sector partnerships to achieve greater impact,” the governor said.
The President of the club, Morakinyo Akinleye, declared that the body was not just a social association but a movement for transformation.
“The Grand Ayetoro City Club represents our collective aspiration to build a society where camaraderie thrives, solidarity remains our strength, and opportunities are created for all. We aim to harness the diverse talents, professional abilities, and potentials of our members to promote the economic, cultural, and social status of Ayetoro and Ogun State at large,” Akinleye stated.
Founded on April 28, 2024, the club currently boasts 23 members, all authentic sons and daughters of Ayetoro by birth.
Akinleye stressed that the club’s vision is to become a citadel of excellence where professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and young people can converge to exchange ideas, foster innovation, and strengthen bonds of brotherhood.
He added that Ayetoro, which marks 120 years of existence this year, deserves development that reflects its rich heritage.
Donations and Goodwill Messages
The event also featured donations from political leaders and businessmen, including Senator Adeola, Senator Lekan Mustapha, and philanthropist Ibrahim Dende, in support of the clubhouse project.
Former Speaker Suraj Adekunbi, a member of the club’s Board of Trustees, told journalists that only credible sons and daughters of Ayetoro are admitted into the fold.
“Membership is not for everyone. Only people of character and authentic indigenes of Ayetoro are admitted. The vision is simple – to unite our people and drive development,” Adekunbi said.
Elder Kunle Amosun, who spoke on behalf of the Alaye of Ayetoro, commended the initiative, describing it as “a wonderful thing that has happened to the town.”
“There has been a social gap between Ayetoro and other towns, but this club is set to close that gap. We urge the Alaye-in-Council and all stakeholders to support this vision,” Amosun urged.
At the palace of the Alaye, Oba Adelakun reiterated his support for the club, saying its establishment reflects the collective resolve of Ayetoro indigenes to reposition their town for growth.
He expressed gratitude for being named the Grand Patron, pledging to continue to guide the club in its pursuit of unity and progress.
Rt. Hon. Adekunbi, who doubles as the Aremo of Ayetoro, also highlighted the symbolic importance of the club:
“This is a rallying point for unity and development. At last year’s Ayetoro Day, the club’s presence was strongly felt, and today’s inauguration further strengthens our resolve to mobilize our people for greatness.”
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