At ASIRI, we like to bring you little known facts about the origins of people or places. The following list is a combination of both. The Egba people are known historically for being simple peace – loving people who would however rise in fierce defense of their honour and to protect their land. They founded present day Abeokuta (a story for another post) in Nigeria, West Africa and still live in its environs till today. So sit back and enjoy this list of 10 Famous Egba Personalities you may never knew and their exploits.
- Sir Adetokubo Ademola– Sir Adetokubo Adegboyega Ademola KBE, SAN (1906-29th January 1993) was the first Chief Justice of Nigeria. Born into a royal family in Egbaland. He was the son of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Ladapo Ademola II, the Alake of the Egba
-
Sir Adetokunbo Ademola - Simeon Atebo– Born Simeon Olaosebikan Adebo in 1913 in Abeokuta a year before Nigeria’s Amalgamation. He was a Nigerian Administrator, lawyer and Diplomat who served as a United Nations under Sectary General. He was the head of the civil service in Nigeria’s old western region
- Ayinla Omowura– Born in Itako in the early 1930’s, named as one of the true greats; Ayinla gave a face to what is known as “Apala” music in Nigeria today.
- Madam Bisi Edionseri– Popularly known as “Bisi Cash Madam” Princess Adebisi Khadijah Edionseri is a notable business woman whose knack for business and entrepreneurship is second to none.
- Dayo Dedeke– A resourceful; musicologist and composer. Dayo Dedeke has earned the singular credit of composing the “Omo Ogun Ise Ya” anthem in the late 70’s which has today become a wakeup call for Ogun state today. He also was the brain behind the composition of Nigeria’s first Indigenous Christmas carol “Keresimesi Odun de”
- Lijadu Sisters– The identical twin sisters were an iconic music pair in Africa between the year 1960’s and 80’s.Presently abroad the amazing duo who have accomplished modest success and influence in the USA and Europe
- Bosun Sowande– The last child of the legendary Egba poet Sobowale Sowande, also known as “Sabo Arobiodu” for his uncanny gift of engaging rendition of his verses written in Egba dialect. He was the very first of all poets following the tradition of his fathers “arofo” to produce a record on vinyl in memory of Chief Obafemi Awolowo when he transited to glory in 1987
- Chief J, F Odunjo– Renowned author and indigenous literary guru, known for the famous literature book “Alawiye”. He was the Asiwaju of Egbaland.
- Omoba Chief Harold Sodipo– Born on May 9 1921 to Chief Isaac Omolaja Adewoye and Omoba Adewoye Rachel Sodipo. A onetime influential member of the Provisional council of University of Ife .He also sat on the Board of the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation. His Building and Engineering firm has left more undeniable imprint in the Nigeria construction landscape. He was the Akogun of Egbaland
- Pastor Bimbo Odukoya (Nee Segun Williams) – A renowned pastor whose inspiring televangelism directed at singles and married has shaped a lot of life and marriages. Motivational speaker, Youth Mentor, Marriage counsellor. She was one of the torch bearers invited by Samsung to the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Married to Taiwo Odukoya her husband and also partner to the church Fountain of Life Church.
