Ikeja Club Rocks at 55

It was glamour all the way as glasses were raised recently to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Ikeja Club with a Grand Ball that was breathtaking at the Club’s secretariat in Ikeja, the heart of Lagos Nigeria.

President of the Club, Chief Ayo Randle along with other members were all resplendent with colourful flowing agbada attires with cap to match, while the female members were also adorned in beautiful dresses with jewelry of exorbitant values. It was indeed the gathering of honourable men and women in the society.

The arrival of former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Wasiu Gbolahan Lawal, among other Who is Who in the society, electrified the atmosphere of the entire club premises as the President, Chief Ayo Randle and other executive members received the eminent personalities who were all awardees at the event.

Juju maestro King Sunny Ade stole the show as many club members and dignitaries, including Chief Obasanjo showcased their dancing skills to the Juju music blared from giant speakers that stood tall in the beautifully decorated club’s main hall.

Chief Ayo Randle said there have been monumental accomplishments, achieved through dedication, selfless service, sacrifices, altruism, hard work and passion, which have tremendously contributed to the growth and development of the Club.

He expressed his appreciation to the founding fathers and all his predecessors for their selfless sacrifices in uplifting the Club.

In his speech, former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo commended the club members for keeping the flag of the club flying and for being pillars of support in the society.

Speaking as the Club Anniversary Guest Lecturer, Bashorun J.K. Randle went down memory lane about the national significant events around 1966 when the club was born.  

Emphasising that Ikeja Club should remain the beacon of hope for Nigeria, Bashorun Randle noted that the decade that preceded the founding of Ikeja Club, witnessed rapid industrialization which was being driven by the politicians (Action Group) that formed a formidable and strategic alliance with good numbers of astute business tycoons such as Chief Alfred Rewane, Chief Shonibare, Alhaji S. O Gbadamosi amongst others.

According to him, the strategy being pursued by the Western Region Government was to create the Ikeja Industrial Estate and provide land at concessionary rates for foreign companies and indigenous entrepreneurs, saying the Action Group under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo sent a delegation consisting of Chief Alfred Rewane, Chief S.O. Shonibare and Chief Ayo Rosiji to United Kingdom, United States and Israel in order to explore options regarding funding of the party.

Those presented with honorary awards included President of Epe Club, Engr. Adebola Rasheed Shabi; Chairman, Golden Bet Lotto, Hon. Chief Idowu Osuolale Obasa; former Chairman of Island Club, Chief Stephen Ademola Dada and Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni.

Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the Anniversary cake, followed by the induction of 36 new members.