AGM
Your Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel
Governor of Ogun State,
Kabiyesis,
Distinguished Baba and Iya Egbe,
Members of the Executive Council,
Council of Chiefs,
Great Keyes,
Giwa’s Statement year-ended 3Oth Oct. 2010 Ladies and Gentlemen
Another year is fast gone and we should thank God Almighty for his numerous blessings on the existence of out great Egbe as we celebrate yet another annual general meeting in joy and good health. It is the prayer of every member that we continue to witness more fruitful years as member, individuals and Ijebu – sons realizing out great dreams and objectives.
I welcome you all to this occasion on our 15th annual general meeting. This is an opportunity for me not only to recall the activities of the executive member but also an avenue for us all to gather in large number to celebrate and share fellowship.
The past and forward looking achievements of the Egbe are as follows:
1. Membership:
This past year we have witnessed growth in number to about one hundred and fifty but still expecting about ten new members from the London branch to be recommended/approved here in Nigeria. Still on membership, the London branch sometime in September arranged a live radio interview in the UK with the SURPRISE FM station owned by one of our new members Otunba Akindele Akinyemi, for me to speak on the Ijebu Regberegbe. This was broadcasted over the internet as well. The objective was to use this medium to promote Bobakeye and also ensure that we educate and encourage out brothers and sisters and in Diaspora to rally round and support fully in actualizing our royal fathers dream in the creation of Ijebu state.
2. Security at Ile – Egbe, dilapidated state, and renovation:
The issue of the Ile-Egbe has been neglected for some time, which has brought about the need to act appropriately now. The Executive council has now approved the recommendation of the committee on the Ile-Egbe. The development is to commence with the renovation of the old House and to privatize the remaining property in order to allow members subscribe to a limited liability company. This would develop and enhance this section of property into a hotel and resort centre and bring about the management in this section of property for profit of those who subscribe to it.
3. Events:
This past year has been filled with celebrations and appointments following the iwuye ceremonies of two of our members in person of Otunba. Aademola Odutola as Otunba Fibiwogba of Ijebu Land and Otunba.Dr.Segun Oshin as Otunba Omila of Ijebu Land by The Alayeluwa, Oba(Dr)S.K. Adetona, CFR,JP, Ogbagba ll, The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebu Land. Also, the coronation of Oba Dr. Toye Alatise as the Gbegande of Ososa was a memorable event. This has brought the number of our royal fathers in our Egbe to four, while we participated fully at the celebrations marketing 50 years on the throne of our dear royal father, the Awujale of Ijebu Land, this event hosted numerous royal fathers from all over the country, which included the Sultan of Sokoto, The Alafin of Oyo, The Obi of Onitsha, The Akarigbo of Remo and The Oba of Lagos just to mention a few. The peak of this event was the launching of the Autobiography of the Awujale and hopefully everyone has got a copy by now. I must congratulate our visionary and incomparable kabiesi for being the pillar of strength on with Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin continues to rest and draw succor, protection and encouragement from, the whose reign has served as magnate, attracting innumerable benefits and developmental projects to Ijebu Land. May his reign continue to bring more and more peace and social harmony to Ijebu land. A new prestigious and historic palace extension is being constructed; which is to be completed for this year’s Ojude-Oba festival. This project is expected to be funded partly by the two million naira (=N=2, 000, 000, 00) levy on each Egbe. I am glad to inform you that we have since paid our contribution in full. Recently keye Deji Adagunduro was elevated to the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police and Professor Akin Osibogun’s position as the CMD LUTH was reconfirmed for a second term by the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
4. Bobakeye Orthopedic & Trauma ward:
The ward has continued to gain recognition tremendously and our brother in person of Dr. Thomas Adekoya-Cole whose continued service at the State General Hospital has been of great relief to the community. This service to humanity has encourage our brothers in Egbe Obafuwaji to emulate us by building a ward at the General Hospital Ijebu-Ode, the opening of which coincided with the 50th Coronation anniversary of our royal father. Having introduced health talks during our meetings, I must command Otunba (Dr.) Segun Oshin for the exhaustive lecture on the scourage of HIV/AIDS phenomenon in our society and how best we can, as individual or as Egbe, help to educate and better inform out people of the ravaging effect on our community. It therefore remains a challenge to us to champion in a more aggressive manner the dissemination of information that could help arrest the scourge. Our community must be AIDS free. I also want to commend Dr. Biodun Otunsanya on his lecture on stress management.
5. Ojude Oba 2010:
I want to commend the manner in which we conducted out selves during the 2009 Ojude-Oba, and wish also that we improve on this collective effort by arriving for 7am at the Giwa’s house so we can have ample time to interact with each other before we leave for the new parade ground and security there would be at its peak with dignitaries to be seated at the event by 9am latest.
6. Conclusion:
It is not an exaggeration to proudly submit that our Egbe is primus inter pares non-secondum in the general activities of Regberegbe 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. On behalf of the executive council, Council of Chiefs and all members, I would like to express my profound appreciation to our distinguished Baba Egbe, Chief, Chris Funmilola Okunowo and Mama Egbe, Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Oshundeko for their continued support and encouragement at all times. May God continue to bless them and their families, I know how hard and committed members have contributed in ensuring that we maintain the egbe’s leading position in Regberegbe. On behalf of the executive council, I thank them for their dedication. I finally would like to thank most sincerely my colleagues in the executive for their never failing support and cooperation.
Thank you and God Bless.
Otunba Biodun Onanuga (Giwa Egbe)
Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo.LL.B.(Hons). B.L.
Hephzi-Bah, 21, Igbosere Road, P.O. Box 4423, Lagos Nigeria.
Tel: 01-2630991, 2630991, Cable: Crislaw, Lagos.
Fax: 234-1-2633553, Telex: 27240 NG.
Goodwill message to Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin Akile Ijebu on the occasion of its 15th annual general meeting held on Saturday, the 13th November 2010.
It is indeed my great pleasure, as always, to send you this goodwill message as an expression of my solidarity with the lofty ideals of your egbe bobakeye (okunrin) akile ijebu, as you continue to make immeasurable contributions to the welfare of ijebuland and in doing so to the advancement of Yoruba land and Nigeria generally. As I look back several years, I am also impressed by the personal achievements you have all made in your professional life and vocations. May you all and your families continue to receive the grace and bountiful blessings of the Almighty God at all times. (Amen).
Your 2010 annual general meeting is auspicious for several reasons. First, it is coming on the heels of the hugely successful and memorable 50th anniversary of the coronation of Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona JP, CFR, LL.D, OGBAGBA II, the Awujale of Ijebuland. The life of the Awujale, and more remarkably his reign reflect the best and most exemplary in the cultural economic, political and social life of ijebuland, providing benchmarks for what it takes to establish peace, prosperity and progress in any community. The Awujale remains, as he has always been, our positive mirror in the future the anchor of strength for our values, of our cosmopolitan outlook to life, and of our policy of good neighborliness to all, far and near , as well as a force for progress, peace and security.
I seize this opportunity to express my own profound appreciation for the leading role, which the egbe bobakeye (okunrin) akile ijebu played in making the 50yh anniversary of the coronation of our highly beloved kabiyesi so successful and memorable, while also joining with the Awujale’s numerous admirers at home and abroad, to wish him many more years of glorious rule on our sacral and ancestral throne I note also with pride the immense contribution of egbe bobakeye (okunrin) akile ijebu to the extension of the palace of the awujale.
Secondly, your 2010 annual general meeting is auspicious because it is taking place close to the critical 2011 general elections, which would understandably mark a watershed in our great country’s constitutional and political development. I seize this opportunity to exhort you to take your civic duties, defend your vote, secure the electoral mandate and mobilize others to do so, to ensure that politics is pursed with a public interest objective. This means playing a frontline role in supporting the upcoming voters’ registration exercise, ensuring peaceful party primaries and credible general elections.
Thirdly, your 2010 annual general meeting is auspicious in that it should provide you with an opportunity to rethink how best to achieve your objective in service to your numbers and to the larger community, in line with the customary collective self-help and self-denial for the general welfare of the indigenes of ijebuland.
I wish to suggest in this respect that you give serious thought to establishing an investment fund, a form of social insurance trust fund, to cater for the needs of not only the less indigent but also generality of the members of the egbe bobakeye (okunrin) akile ijebu. Such a trust fund, built on a foundation of social trust and bonding among your members, should provide and regulate disbursements from the fund to members at concessionary rates while, because if its revolving door nature, it should also facilitate the availability of investment returns that will generate funds for some if your social projects at the community level.
I seize this opportunity once again to acknowledge the progress of ijebuland and Ogun state generally under the present administration of Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Balogun egbe and an illustrious son of ijebuland, whose administration has been very much influenced by the life and philosophy of another illustrious ijebu son, the honorable Chief Obafemi Awolowo. As he rounds up his two terms in office as governor, I wish him yet higher positions of service to community, state and country, under God’s guidance.
Already basking from the success of the 50th anniversary of his coronation and the outpouring of the upsurge of deeply-felt gratitude and renewed commitment to continue serving him by his subjects at home and abroad, the awujale deservers our gratitude for remaining the durable and enduring pillar on which the egbe bobakeye (okunrin) akile ijebu, indeed the generality of Ijebuland, rests and derives its strength. May he reign long, and may ijebuland continue to enjoy peace, security and development under his progressive and people-centered leadership and rule. K’ade pe l’ori, ki bata pe l’ese. Amin
Finally, I wish you all and the rest of ijebuland, Eid Mubarak, the blessings of Yuletide season and a happy and prosperous 2011
CHIEF CHRIS O. OKUNOWO, LL.B (HONS) B.L
BOBASUWA II OF IJEBU LAND
BABA EGBE, EGBE BOBAKEYE (OKUNRIN) AKILE IJEBU
Your Exellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel
Governor of Ogun State,
The Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwas,
Distinguished Baba Egbe and Iya Egbe,
The Giwa Egbe, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga,
Members of the Executive Council,
Council of Chiefs,
Distinguished “Great keyes”
Ladies & Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to report the progress and developments of the Egbe Bobakeye Akile Ijebu (London Branch) at this 15th Annual General meeting of our great Egbe – an outstanding and extraordinary “regberegbe group” in Ijebu land.
Firstly, I would like to express profound appreciation to the Giwa Egbe and all members, for their support and the declaration to establish elected executive leadership position for the UK Branch of the Egbe. This resolution led to the first election of the Asoju Bobakeye in May this year, a development that tremendously transformed the activities of the UK branch and worth commendation.
The Inauguration
The Giwa Egbe – Otunba Biodun Onanuga and Asiwaju Dele ogunbowale, performed the inauguration of the Asoju Bobakeye at the unique Eclipse Restaurant, London in June this year. An occasion that was glittered with the leaders of other “regberegbe groups” and in particular the Bobakeye (Obirin) Double T members, friends and relatives. The UK executive members were also sworn – in to uphold the egbe constitution and carry out their duties for the next three years. The branch executive members are as follows:
- Otun Asiwaju Kayode Adesanya – Asoju Bobakeye
- Keye Dr. Muyiwa Opeewe – General Secretary
- Keye Abiodun Olowu – Financial Secretary
- Keye Lekan Kuku – Social/Public Relation Officer
- Keye Muyiwa Akinola – Welfare/Chief Whip
At this occasion, we also launched the brochures of our aims and objectives for distribution to the public to attract indigenous Ijebu citizen’s as members.
The Mission
Our goal is an offshoot of the vision of the Egbe as contained in the constitution and as a result, we aimed to create awareness and raise the profile of the Egbe Bobakeye Akile Ijebu in the United Kingdom and Ireland. By doing so, we have the opportunity to educate the public about the relevance of the Egbe to the contribution and development of our communities in Ijebu land.
Activities
In the last five months, we have been involved actively in Television, and Radio programs, distribution of Egbe brochures, and advertisement in other media/publications. Our inauguration was shown live on Ben Television (UK) where the Giwa egbe had the opportunity to address the public on the position of “regberegbe” group in Ijebu land and the benefits of being a member.
In addition, we are currently sponsoring other programs on Oodua Television (UK) and Naija FM Radio (UK). Recently, the Giwa Egbe was a guest at Supreme FM Radio (UK) studio. He was live and direct on the air and talked about the magnitude and the significant of the Egbe. The feedbacks of the programs were great especially the Giwa’s interview on Supreme FM Radio. Members of the public that heard his interview commended him for his knowledge in Ijebu matters. He is the perfect man to lead this great organization and I must declare to you that these programs are good publicity for Bobakeye Akile Ijebu in Diaspora.
Membership Drive
As part of our achievement, we continue to be a source of pride in the United Kingdom attracting honorable, dependable and honest people seeking to become members of this great ”regberegbe” group. Within the last few months or so, membership has increased massively and notwithstanding, we are still aiming high. Although, we are not ignorant of the constitutional matters and conditions required to be bonafide Keyes, but I can assure you that we are having indigenous, credible people who wants to be associated with this great organization and are within the age group with outstanding personal quality.
Amongst them are as follows:
1. Engineer Muyiwa Kusimo from ijebu – Ode
2. Mr.Olugbenga Mafe Housing Manager – From Ijebu Ode
3. Mr. Kunle Osofodunrin Business Consultant – From Ijebu Igbo
4. Mr. Babatunde Oduneye IT Consultant – From Omu Ijebu
5. Engr. Prince Adekunle Adebanjo R/Manager – From Ijebu Ode
6. Mr. Muyiwa Onabanjo. President, Prospect High School (Old Student Assoc.) – From Ijebu Ode
7. Mr. Moshood Kuku Marine Specialist - From Ijebu-Ode
8. Otunba Obafemi Adenuga CEO, Femade International Freight Company, UK - From Ijebu Ode
9. Mr. Sola Okuneye Business Consultant – From ijebu Ode
10. Otunba Akindele Akinsanmi CEO, Supreme FM Radio (UK) – from Shagamu
11. Engr. Bayo Bolaji TFL, London – From Ijebu Ode
12. Alhaji Owoyemi Lawal Business Consultant– From Ijebu Ode
Therefore, Great Keyes!!! Join hand with us and welcome the great men above to this great organization. Their contributions had been tremendous in our gathering and I can assure you that they will not fail to meet their personal, financial and moral commitments to the Egbe Bobakeye in general.
The future
Our ultimate goal is to establish a legacy that we can all be proud of in the United Kingdom, most importantly the launching of “Bobakeye House”, a place for the “great keyes” to have fun within the next three years. Our General Purpose Committee is deliberating on brilliant ideas that will be discussed here in Nigeria for approval prior to implementation, as we cannot work alone. In addition, our continued presence on the global web is paramount; as a result, our website is currently undergoing reconstruction for member’s online interaction. Features includes advertisement opportunity for businesses, uploading of minutes of meeting to secure site, monthly updates, links to other sites/personal businesses etc. We look forward to patronage and contribution from everyone.
As the year 2010 is ending, the UK Branch invites you all to the end of the year party taken place at the Majestic Restaurant in Brixton, London, United Kingdom on 11 December 2010. Please join us and lets merry together. United we stand.
I wish to express sincere appreciation to Asiwaju Dele Ogunbowale, for his dedication and loyalty, and an excellent leadership when he was in the United Kingdom. The entire members of the UK Branch wish him good health and prosperity now that he has returned to settle down in Nigeria. I thank the UK Social/PRP committee for “the job well done”, the Finance Committee for making us financially strong, the Welfare/disciplinary committee for their effort in maintaining peace, and the General Purpose Committee for brilliant ideas, moving the egbe forward.
Finally, I praise all the members of the Egbe Bobakeye here in Nigeria for your dignity, the unwavering standard of quality and unrivaled icon of this organization. We are all proud of you, we pray to The Lord of Hosts, the Almighty God for guidance and protection for us to be together for many years to come, and that more achievable programs would continue to come forward from the United Kingdom.
Thank you, and God Bless you all.
Otun Asiwaju Kayode Adesanya
The Asoju Bobakeye Akile – Ijebu (UK and Ireland)
Your Excellency,
Otunba Gbenga Daniel,
Governor of Ogun State;
Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo, Baba Egbe,
Otunba Biodun Onanuga, Giwa Egbe;
The Executive Council;
Council of Chiefs;
Distinguished Members,
Ladies & Gentlemen.
GOODWILL MESSAGE TO EGBE BOBAKEY AKILE – IJEBU (OKUNRIN)
To God be the glory. We have reached yet another end of a glorious year with the Egbe Bobakeye Akile-Ijebu (Okunrin) having caused to praise the Almighty God.
I am pleased to commend the ‘Egbe’ for their unwavering standard and quality so far. It is quite heart-warming to know that Giwa and the executive council had so far stuck to the ideals, policies and principles for which the ‘Egbe’ had been known for.
The ‘Egbe’s’ enviable achievements are worth of commendation I pray that the almighty god would continue to guide and guard you so that more achievable programmers would be continued to come from your end
In conclusion, I pray for God’s blessing on you and your family. May we all witness more and more AGMs is to come.
God bless Egbe Bobakeye!
God Bless Ijebuland!!
God bless Ogun state!!
God bless Nigeria!!!
Chief (Mrs.) OLUYEMISI OSHUNDEKO
Iya Egbe
REPORT OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY TO THE 15TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS OF EGBE BOBAKEYE AKILE IJEBU (OKUNRIN) 13TH NOVEMBER, 2010
Your Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel,
Governor of Ogun State,
The Giwa Egbe, Otunba Abiodun Onaunga,
Members of the Executive Committee.
Council of Chiefs,
Distinguished Keyes,
Ladies & Gentlemen.
I have the honor and pleasure to give the report of the secretariat for the year under review, and I express my appreciation to the Giwa and all members for the support given to us during the year.
During the year, the bi-monthly meetings were held, and significant constitutional amendments were made to strengthen the Egbe. The position of Asoju Egbe in London and elsewhere in the Diaspora was created, and such Asoju Egbe became a member of the executive committee in Nigeria, additional position was created in the welfare committee to increase the membership, while the financial secretary as a signatory to the Egbe’s account(s). These decisions were made to make the Egbe more functional and cohesive.
I thank members who had given support for the renovation of the Bobakeye house, and appeal for more support because much is still required to be done. Let me say that there is immerse investment opportunity here for chalets/Events centre and I appeal to those who are capable to take up this opportunity for mutual benefits.
Membership of the Egbe continued to grow during the year and I congratulate the new members. I ask them to take active interest in the activities of the Egbe and live up to their responsibilities.
Your Excellency, the Giwa, distinguished Keyes; I thank you all for your attention
HRH Oba Bisi Okubanjo JP – Obiri of Aiyepe
General Secretary
Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo.LL.B.(Hons). B.L.
Hephzi-Bah, 21, Igbosere Road, P.O. Box 4423, Lagos Nigeria.
Tel: 01-2630991, 2630991, Cable: Crislaw, Lagos.
Fax: 234-1-2633553, Telex: 27240 NG.
GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM CHIEF CHRIS.O. OKUNOWO, ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 10TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. (AGM)
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of our great Egbe Bobakeye (Okunrin) Akile Ijebu is a most significant cultural rites of passage, not only for our members but for the generality of the people Ijebuland, to whose development and we are committed, having demonstrated it in various notable and momentous ways.
It is for this reason that, as always, it gives me gives great pleasure to send you this warm and felicitations Goodwill Message on the 10th Anniversary of our Egbe. Yet, the joy and expectations of this occasion must be set against the series of national tragedies we experienced towards the end of October 2005, in the form of the unexpected and sudden death of our country’s First Late, Chief (Mrs) Stella Obasanjo, and the ill-fated crash of Bellview Fight 120, which claimed 117 lives.
We should use the opportunity presented by this to engage in sober reflections about the meaning and significance of these sad and tragic events for us as a people, reaffirm our faith in the Almighty God, rededicate ourselves to continue the missionary work He has enjoined on us in services to our community and nation and express solidarity with Mr. President and the relations of the crash victims. May their souls rest in peace (Amen).
As we look ahead to the next decade, Egbe Bobakeye can look back with pride at its worthy contributions to the cultural, economic, educational, political and social life of Ijebuland. We have contributed more than our widow’s mite and, in doing so we worked closely with the state and local governments and various communities, through their leaders, to undertake development projects in our natal land.
I heartily congratulate the leadership, the Giwa and other officers and members of Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin, Akile Ijebu for these notable achievements. We must not relent in this engagement with our illustrious ancestors and people. As the next decade in our existence begins and unfolds, we must keep this tryst with them, reassured and, thereby emboldened by their unflinching and continued to chart new grounds that will lift us to much higher horizons, the cynosure of ethno-cultural groups and associations in our wonderful gateway state and elsewhere in our great country. There is a lot, indeed much more to be done and our ancestors’ destiny and, indeed our progeny all importunately beckon to us to hurry because time is of the essence, and will run our much sooner than expected.
It is, therefore, my hope that this historic and 10th Anniversary of Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin, Akile Ijebu will be even more historic and memorable for the vision and boldness of its resolutions, including the establishment of a Working Committee for 5-year Strategic Agenda for Action for consideration and approval at the 11th Anniversary of the Egbe. We should do this in the of the adage, “To whom much is, much is expected! This is the testament we can and should leave for future generations of Ijebus. I must use the opportunity of Goodwill Message to pay gratitude and express solidarity with
Our imaginative and proactive Governor, His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, an illustrious son of Ijebuland, who has followed closely along the inimitable farsighted path chard by another Illustrious son of Ijebuland, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the First Premier of the old Western Region, known famously for his administration’s people-oriented economic and social programmes and solid infrastructures.
In less than 3 years, Governor Daniel has through determined will power and the Grace of God made qualitative, positively proactively transformative changes in the economic and social landscape of our state and Ijebuland in particular. May the Grace of God continue to be with him and amiable wife Yeye Olufunke.
I must also thank our Royal Father, our visionary and incomparable Kabiyesi, Oba (Dr) S.K. Adetona, CFR, JP, Ogbagba II, The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the pillar of strength on which the Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin continues to rest to draw succour, protection and encouragement from, the whose reign has served as a magnet, Attracting innumerable benefits and developmental projects to Ijebuland. May he long, bringing more and more peace and social harmony to Ijebuland!
K’ade o pr l’ori, ki bata o pe l’ese
Let me end by wishing you all Eid Mubarak and the blessings of the Yuletide season.
God bless Egbe Bobakeye!
God bless Ijebuland!!
God bless Nigeria!!!
CHIEF CHRIS O. OKUNOWO, LL.B (HONS) B.L
BOBASUWA II OF IJEBU LAND
BABA EGBE, EGBE BOBAKEYE (OKUNRIN) AKILE IJEBU
GIWA’S REPORT
Your Excellency, The Governor Of Ogun State,
Otunba (Dr) Gbenga Daniel,
His Royal Highness, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye,
My dear Baba Egbe & Mama Egbe,
My Otun & Osi Giwa,
Members of the Executive Council,
Honoured Members (Oloyes),
Distinguished Members of Bobakeye,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
It is with the pleasure and happiness that I welcome you to this year Annual General Meeting (AGM) of our age group; Bobakeye. It is indeed a great and special one because it coincides with our 10th Year anniversary celebration which started on the 24th of November with public lectures and will be rounded up tomorrow the 27th of November, 2005 with a church service at Cathedral Church of Christ, Italowajoda.
I, therefore use the opportunity to congratulate and felicitate with every member of this great Keye for making this day a reality and to thank our Almighty God for his mercies. This ceremony is packed full and as usual the proceedings of this AGM will commence with presentation, to you, of the Annual Report and financial statements of our Egbe for the 2004/2005 financial year. But before that, let me use this opportunity go down the memory lane to review on our pas activities and to evaluate our achievement so far in order to accomplish our aims and aspirations for the future.
Let us recall and I quote our Royal Majesty, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-land in his speech titled “towards a more vibrant Regberegbe Institution in Ijebu-land” stated that “ the age-long institution of Regberegbe was created for the purpose of ensuring the continued development, security and progress of our dear home-land and it had the least to do with mere merry-making”. It was the Regberegbe of yore that initiated, built and maintained our township infrastructures more by the investment of this physical energy, talent, time and where necessary money. It was they who organised and sustained security for the common goal. They also willingly laid down their lives in military offence and defence, that Ijebu-land may survive and when all such primary duties had been done, they made merry. It is this noble institution that we have all happily chosen to inherit and we must it wholesome in our time and for our children.
The vision of this Egbe is to unify the whole of Ijebu-land through membership from Ikorodu o Remo to Ijebu Water-Side including Epe and Lekki to achieve the proposed long-overdue Ijebu State and put smiles on the faces of all Ijebus. I therefore, wish to declare that the level of commitment and participation of most of our members toward achieving these objectives is most commendable.
Some of our landmarks are all over Ijebu-land:
- Bobakeye (renovation & provision of equipment) Trauma/Orthopaedic Ward at General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode
- Contribution towards the construction of Adolescent Centre, Ijebu-Ode (Year 2006)
- Awujale Royal Archway, (Year 2000)
At this juncture, I wish to comment the initiative of one of us in the person of Keye (Dr) Adekoya Cole to run and train orthopaedic doctors for a period of one (1) year at General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, free of charge. Apart from these landmarks, the Bobakeye has successfully launched a #250m development funded early this year at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi to be used for community projects and the contruction of proposed Bobakeye’s house at the GRA, Ijebu-ode o which construction will commence as soon as we received the certificate of Occupancy of the property from the state government.
We are committed to building and enduring legacy, defying all challenges, I am pleased to report that in the past decade, we made significant progress on all fronts, which has enabled us to achieve phenomenal consistency and improvement in membership quality. Bobakeye is full of giants in all aspect of human endeavour. In politics, we are proud of having the privilege of producing:
- The Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Otunba (Dr) Gbenga Daniel;
- A senator of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo;
- The current Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Basorun Toye Alatishe;
- The past Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Toyin Hamzat;
- Immediate past member of Ogun State House of Assembly Hon. Flower Dongo;
- Former Lagos State Commissioner for Environment & current Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Environment, Arc Kayode Anibaba;
- Chairman, Ogun State Health Management Board, Dr Gbenga Omolayole;
- Special Consultant to Ogun State Governor on Health, Dr Segun Oshin;
- The General Manager, Ogun State Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Mr Yekini Ibrahim.
As a matter of fact we have most of our members in all areas of notable professions too numerous to mention. It is not our making but endowed by God. It may interest you to know that the richest man in the whole world is also a Bobakeye by age, (Bill Gate). We should not forget that God’s love and beauty are all around us everyday do direct our path. We have indeed set the pace for other to follow. We are also leaving an indelible footpath for our children to follow. However, in many social organisation of this future, there is bound to be problems, but each time they arose, they were resolved amicably and these make the Egbe to Wax stronger.
This speech will not be complete without appreciating the contributions of important dignitaries who graced the launching ceremony. Firstly, I wish to thank our Governor and Balogun Egbe, Bobakeye- Otunba (Obalofin) Gbenga Daniel for his generous donation of the full payment towards the acquiring the property for Bobakeye at the GRA, Ijebu-Ode. My depth of gratitude goes to our indefatigable and ever encouraging Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) S.K Adetona CFR, JP, Ogbagba II, The Awujale & Paramount Ruler of Ijebu-land for his fatherly love and continued support for Bobakeye.
Also, my appreciation goes to His Royal Highness Oba Y.O Adekoya (OON), The Dagburewe of Idowa, His Royal Highness Oba Dr. K.A.O Sansi, The Obelu of Esure and His Royal Highness Oba R.A. Adenugba, The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye and Otunba Olu Adebanjo for fatherly moral and financial support to the Egbe at Golden Gate Restaurant during the launching ceremony.
I also wish to thank our dearest Baba Egbe, Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo and Mama Egbe, Chief (Mrs) Yemisi Oshundeko for always standing behind the Egbe as should all parent loving parents. Also to Chief Dr. Allison who we hijacked as the chairman for the day I say thank you Sir!
To all our important dignitaries too numerous to mention including Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chief (Mrs) Titi Oseni (Ogun State Speaker), Chief (Mrs) Sade Aleshinloye, Chief (Mrs) Alebiosu, Iyalode Toyin Oluwole, Iyalode Abimbola and our own Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo for their presence and donations.
I wish to thank members of the Planning Committee under the chairmanship of K1 and members of the Implementation Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Bode Tawak for making this day a reality.
I acknowledge the support, friendship and loyalty of all members of the Egbe. Great Keyes!!! Thank you all so much.
Lastly, I thank you very much for your presence and participation at this meeting.
May Bobakeye continue to flourish.
Thank you and God Bless!
Otunba Biodun Onanuga
Giwa Egbe