The Egba Economic Summit (EES) has elected Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, a lawyer and chartered accountant, as its new President, marking the beginning of a new era for the influential socio-economic think tank in Egbaland.
Adeoye emerged President at the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Summit held on Friday, December 19, 2025, taking over from the immediate past President, Mr. Yinka Chris Coker, whose tenure formally ended at the meeting.
In his acceptance speech, Adeoye described the occasion as historic, noting that it coincided with “196 years of the documented existence of Egbaland.”
“Today is a day to thank God for Egbaland and its continued existence,” he said. “It is also important to appreciate those who played key roles in the formation of the Egba Economic Summit and those who have led it to this point.”
He paid glowing tributes to past leaders of the Summit, noting that “seven Presidents have led the Summit so far, and seven is a special number. It gives an end to an era, and a new era begins with me as the eighth President.”
Adeoye specifically acknowledged Engr. Ola Sobande, whom he described as “a major stakeholder and one of the brains behind the formation of EES,” alongside Mr. Kehinde Sogunle, a former Ogun State Commissioner for Finance. He also recognised past Presidents including Ade Coker, Ayo Biobaku, Chief Tunji Sunmonu, Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, Chief Shina Luwoye and Yinka Chris Coker.
“I want to thank everyone who has contributed in the past to move EES forward,” Adeoye said, while also commending Captain Okesanjo “who has been doing a lot behind closed doors to help Egbaland and influence major projects to the land.”
The new President also appreciated the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, for “leading the Board at this very critical time.”
Unveiling his vision, Adeoye announced a comprehensive seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the Summit as a major driver of economic development in Egbaland and Ogun State.
Among his priorities, he said, was the creation of “a comprehensive database of Egbas playing important roles nationwide and around the world,” as well as uniting old and new members “to ensure full participation with their time and resources.”
He added, “We will play a strong advocacy role to attract investment, projects and development to Egbaland. We must also promote a sense of belonging among our youths, mentor them, and prepare them to step into leadership roles.”
Adeoye also pledged to support small and medium-scale enterprises through targeted training.
“We will assist small business holders to understand record keeping, tax issues and how to grow their businesses,” he said.
On education and infrastructure, he stressed the need to move the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences (FUMMSA) to its permanent site.
According to him, “Egba sons and daughters must make impact by building hostels, lecture halls and projects named after them, while we also put government on its toes with objective analysis of issues affecting Egbaland.”
He further promised to bring corporate bodies in Egbaland into the Summit to ease project funding and to “grow EES reputation until it becomes the go-to entity for investors willing to come to Egbaland and Ogun State,” including securing a permanent office for the Summit.
“As I take this mantle of leadership, I promise to discharge my duties with love, passion and the required professionalism, both as a lawyer and as an accountant,” Adeoye said, concluding with prayers for Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
Adeoye previously served as First Vice President of the Summit between 2023 and 2025 and had also headed the Finance, Education and Research directorates.
He has over 27 years of professional experience and is the Founder and Principal Partner of Gbenga Adeoye & Co. (Chartered Accountants) as well as the Managing Partner of Global Legal Partners.
He is also a member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and is widely known for his passion for social and economic development. His roots cut across Egba Ake and Gbagura, a heritage he said has strengthened his commitment to investing in Egbaland.
Speaking at the AGM, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, charged the new President to prioritise unity among members. He also urged members to regularise their membership status “latest by March 31, 2026,” while thanking the host of the meeting, Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, for his hospitality.
Participants at the AGM included members from within and outside Nigeria, with past leaders such as Chief Shina Luwoye, Alhaji Egbeyemi and Dr. Kehinde Sogunle joining virtually.
In his submission, Captain Okesanjo emphasised that “EES must move from social activities to core economic activities,” a position supported by Builder Biodun Karunwi and the host, Engr. Odebunmi.
Members also paid special tribute to Engr. Ola Sobande, noting that despite being over 70 years old, he “has remained committed to the objectives and growth of the Egba Economic Summit.”
The meeting ended with goodwill messages and prayers for the prosperity of Egbaland, while Adeoye used the opportunity to invite members to his residence for a New Year celebration scheduled for January 1, 2026.
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