IKEJA CLUB, described by one of the foundation members as “a child of circumstance”, came into being following the realization of the need for a serene place of decent relaxation and socialization after work. The initial idea came from Alhaji A.T. Animashaun, who drew from his experience as a member of The Black Table in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. He invited Late Chief 5.0. Onasanya and Late S.A. Otunkoya. The three gentlemen met at the then Victoria Hotel, Ikeja. Alhaji A.T. Animashuan disclosed his vision of a prominent social club.
The three founding fathers agreed to invite other friends who attended the maiden meeting on 27th July 1966 atVictoria Hotel, Ikeja.
Those that attended the maiden meeting along with the pioneers included: (1) Late Mr Abiodun Akerele -Nigerian Textile Mills Ltd. (2) Late Chief Ben Olaiya-Nigerian Textile Mills Ltd. (3) Prince Adekoya Dairo-Dunlop Nigeria Ltd. (4) Mr M.O. Omokanwaiye-Western Nigeria Housing Corporate (5) ChiefT.O. Akinwolere-A Businessman (6) Mr FelixAgbonselobho-Dealer-Mobil Petrol Station Maryland (7) Prince Bisi Ojelade-American Embassy (8) Late Mr Abimbola Pitan-American Embassy (9) Mr Adekayaoja-ECN (now PHCN).
The following were appointed as officers during the maiden meeting:
(1) Chief Abiodun Akerele -President (2) Prince Adekoya Dairo-Vice President (3) Alhaji A.T. Animashuan-Secretary (4) Mr Felix Agbonselobho-Treasurer (5) ChiefT.O. Akinwolere-Financial Secretary (6) Mr. 5.0. Otukoya-Social Secretary (7) Mr. S.0. Onasanya-Ex-Officio (8) Mr. M.O. Omokanwaiye-Ex-Officio.
MEETING VENUES:
The inaugural meeting of the Club was held at Victoria Hotel, Ikeja. Three other meetings were held at the venue. The Club shifted its meeting venue to Mr M.O. Omokanwaiye’s residence on Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja. Four (4) meetings were held there. Chief T.O. Akinwolere volunteered the use of the top of his decked building at No.156, Isheri Road now 134, Awolowo Way (Adetiba House) at Balogun Bus stop, Ikeja. Meetings were held at this venue for over one year. The membership strength of the Club increased with the inclusion of Mr T.O. Gbajobi, Albert Olubakinde, Tokunboh Alii, T.A. Awoleye, Gregory Asemota, Pade Odanye, Afolabi Fadairo, Mr Omoyele (Alias Omo Agege), Mr Ajetunmobi and others.
Consequently, the executive membership increased with the appointment of some new members to executive positions. Thereafter, the Club moved into a rented flat at No.19, Olowu Street, Ikeja.
MOVEMENT TO PERMANENT SITE
Late Akinola Ajose, then-Assistant Secretary in the service of Lagos State Government, informed members about a building used by the colonial District Officers. The use of the building was abandoned because of the flooding of the area. Members were advised to see the Late Aba Johnson, the then Secretary to the State Government, who was also a close friend of Late Abiodun Akerele, the then President of the Club. Following necessary contacts that were made, the Club was advised to submit a formal application to the then State Governor, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, for consideration. The application was submitted in June 1971.
The Late Akinnola Ajose monitored the application up to the approval stage and delivered the keys of the building to the Club in September 1971. Thereafter, the Club faced the problem of flooding in the area. Members took various actions to minimize the effect of flooding on the use of the Club premises – such actions included the construction of temporary footbridges and tarring of the whole compound.
At this juncture, let all of us pay tributes to the vision and efforts of our founding fathers. To those of them who have answered the call of the Almighty, may their souls rest in perfect peace (AMEN); and to those that are alive, we say a big thank you for a job well done. May you all live long, amen.
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