About us
“Bobakeye” is one of the Ijebu traditional groups, widely known as “regberegbes”, a unique and age-old institution established to weld the society into age groups, male and female for the purpose of bringing development and progress to the community.
The “regberegbe” was established dated back to mediaeval times by the paramount ruler of the Ijebu Kingdom (The Awujale) and have always been the lynchpin of traditional Ijebu democratic forum of government.
The present Awujale of Ijebuland,, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona has revived it for continuous development of Ijebu. Since then, the “regberegbes” had played very important roles not only in the administration but also in the socio-economic development of Ijebuland.
“Bobakeye”, otherwise known as the “Great Keyes” under the permanent leadership of the Giwa, Biodun Onanuga, (the Otunba Anikilaiya of Ijebu land) is an envy of other organisations in Ijebu land.
Bobakeye is not just about kinking of glasses, sounds of action of cutleries and dancing in social circles but operating as a traditional, cultural and social association committed to the promotion and preservation of the tradition and customs of Ijebu.
While it also promotes and protects the interest of its members, the “Great Keyes” also benefits from members meetings where great ideas and knowledge are turned to are turned to invaluable and enviable achievements.
Bobakeye is a life time membership for everyone in Ijebu-land born between 1st January 1956 and 31st December 1958. Although, everyone born in Ijebu land within this period is a bobakeye but not everyone is a member.
It is a matter of choice and interest, as well as meeting the set standards, reliable, honest and trustworthy.
Our mission is to unify the whole of Ijebu-land through membership from Ikorodu, Ijebu Remo to Ijebu Waterside and with one mind, to achieve the proposed long overdue Ijebu State.
The activities of bobakeye centres on its aims and objectives that includes:
- Promotion and sustenance of Ijebu customs & traditions
- Social & economic development of Ijebu land
- Educational development in Ijebu land
- Promotion of the unity of Ijebu land
- Support & Assistance to members
- Co-operation with other groups of similar objectives
Bobakeye is actively involved in the annual Ojude-Oba celebration which comes up on the third day of Muslim Eldel-Kabir festival. This is an event where ijebu indigenes, their friends and associates from far and near throng the palace of the Awujale for the carnival-like celebration. Ojude Oba festival is no doubt seemingly the most glamorous cultural and spiritual festivals in Ijebu land. The glitz and colours associated with the festival made it rank among the most celebrated cultural festivals in the country.
It is not an exaggeration to proudly submit that Bobakeye is outstanding in the general activities of “regberegbes” in Ijebu land and more particularly with issues of accountability and responsiveness, as we are only Egbe that has continued to render proper accounts of its stewardship annually in our AGM brochure to member and the public since inception.
“Bobakeye” is blessed to be associated with our distinguished Baba Egbe Chief, Chris Funmilola Okunowo, (Bobasuwa II of Ijebu land) of Chris O Okunowo & Co. (Attorneys and Solicitors), one of the leading legal firms in Nigeria that has vast and valuable experience in both the commercial and security regulatory sectors, and has provided extensive strategic advisory services on several domestic and international projects.
The “Great Keyes is also proud of our outstanding and sociable Iya Egbe, Chief Mrs.Oluyemisi Oshundeko, who had been a tower of strength to the Egbe. We are proud of the Giwa Egbe Bobakeye, the Honoray Chiefs and the entire members of Bobakeye Akile-Ijebu.
The ‘Egbe’s’ enviable achievements are worthy of commendation as we continue to make immeasurable contributions to the welfare of Ijebuland and in doing so to the advancement of Yoruba land and Nigeria generally.
Alajobi agbe wa o (Ase)