•Pres. Alhaja IYABODE AMORI BABARINSA GIDADO Explains
At the 38th Lisabi Festival held in Abeokuta, last week, one ladies club stood out. It’s called Egba Exquisite Ladies Club. City People Reporter, JUMOKE ARO caught up with Aare Alhaja Iyabode Amori Babarinsa Gidado, the President of Egba Exquisite Ladies Club, a unique and culturally-rooted women’s organization. Formed three years ago by a group of Egba women at home and in the diaspora, the club is dedicated to charity, unity, and the celebration of their heritage. In this interview, President Iyabode Amori shares the story behind the club, its membership criteria, its contributions to society, and what sets it apart from other social groups.
You told me that most of the members are not based in Nigeria, they’re from different parts of the world. Why did women from different parts and spheres of the world come together to form this club?
Because we’re all from Abeokuta. We’ve been together for long—since we were children.
So there are no younger people among you?
We have younger people as well.
Is there a requirement to be a member of the club?
You have to be from Abeokuta. Either your mum or dad—one of your parents must be from Abeokuta.
What if neither of my parents is from Abeokuta?
Then you’re not qualified to be in our group.
What sets the Egba Exquisite Ladies Club apart from every other club mentioned at the festival today?
Our club is strictly for Egba people. Others may include wives and friends, but we don’t have friends in our group—everyone here is from Abeokuta.
How have you been able to sustain the club as the president?
Like I said, we’ve known each other since childhood, so I don’t think there’s any major problem.
Being the president, have you had any issues with members?
Of course, we’ve had issues—but we solve them. They’re just sisterly misunderstandings.
How many members are in the club?
We’re 40 in total.
Apart from being the president and a member of this unique club, what else can you tell us about yourself?
I’m the Aare Musulumi of Egba Land. I’m a Muslim and actively involved in a lot of charitable work in Abeokuta.
You have so many titles, yet you’re not based in Nigeria?
I have businesses here. I’m the proprietress of a school—View Crown Nursery and Primary School, and I also run Detutu Oil, a business that sells vegetable oil here in Abeokuta.
Have you been in the educational system for long?
Yes, I’ve been in education since 2016 and became a proprietress in 2018.
Why do you think the Lisabi celebration is important?
It’s what binds us together.
But Lisabi died years ago?
Yes, but we still live together and celebrate him.
Are there other celebrations in Egba Land?
Yes, we celebrate Ileya, and Christians also celebrate their festivals.
Does the Egba Exquisite Ladies Club attend other celebrations?
If we’re invited. We’re Exquisite—not Exclusive—we don’t poke nose.
What makes your club recognized in Egba Land?
We registered with the Alake at the palace in Ake.
Was there any fee for registration?
No, we don’t pay to register. We give back through community charity.
Do your members pay monthly dues?
Yes, we contribute monthly to fund the club’s activities.
Did you pay to have your seat at the Lisabi Festival?
No. This was organized by the state governor and the Alake’s committee. There are also sponsors like Seaman’s Schnapps.
Do clubs come with their members?
Exactly.
Your outfit today—do you wear the same every year?
No, we change it yearly. Last year we wore blue and wine. This year it’s purple and pink. Next year could be turquoise blue—we don’t know yet.
The invite said it’s your 5th anniversary, but you mentioned this is your 3rd?
Yes, it’s our 3rd year attending. The club has existed for 3 years.
So you’ve been registered with the Alake since 2022?
Exactly.
You mentioned your business, Detutu Oil. Is it based in the UK?
No, the company is here in Nigeria with its own brand—Detutu Oil.
Please tell us your full name.
My name is Aare Alhaja Iyabode Amori Babarinsa Gidado.
How long has the Egba Exquisite Ladies Club been part of the Lisabi Festival?
This is our third year attending.
Was it you who set up the club?
We all came together and decided to form a group. That was three years ago.
What is the essence of the club?
We are a charity organization. For example, we recently installed a solar system at the accident and emergency Unit of the General Hospital, Idi-Aba.
Any other major projects?
Yes, we support motherless babies and widows with food and other necessities.
Are most members based abroad?
Yes, most of us are based in London and America. A few live in Nigeria.
How do you manage the group when you’re not all in the same place?
We use WhatsApp. We hold virtual meetings every last Sunday of the month.
Are you the first president?
Yes, I’m the president. We also have a vice president—Adebanke Fasoyin.
–Olajumoke Aro
