THE BIRTH AND LEGACY OF ORIWU CLUB: A TALE OF BROTHERHOOD AND SERVICE ®™√ INN Nigeria ©

In the vibrant landscape of Ikorodu, a visionary young lawyer named Mr. Somi Jaiyesimi ignited a spark that would evolve into the renowned Oriwu Club.

Amidst the late 1960s and early 1970s, he envisioned a forum where like-minded friends and professionals from Ikorodu could interact for mutual benefit.

As the tumultuous years unfolded, a wave of young professionals returned to Ikorodu from abroad, assuming positions of responsibility in their respective fields.

Mr. Jaiyesimi, recognizing the opportune moment, gathered a group of individuals to brainstorm the idea of a forum. The embryo meeting in May 1973, hosted at Mr. Jaiyesimi’s residence, laid the foundation for what would become Oriwu Club.

The Prime Promoters, including Mr. Omotayo Benson and Mr. Rasheed Gbadamosi, played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s identity.

The Inaugural Meeting on June 30, 1973, held at Mr. Olabode Ogunleye’s residence, marked the official establishment of Oriwu Club. Gratitude was expressed to Engr. Kayode Shoderu and Mr. Yekini Dawodu for suggesting the club’s name and designing its coat of arms, respectively.

On November 24, 1973, Oriwu Club was formally launched at the Ayangbure’s Palace, becoming a source of joy for the Ikorodu people.

The club’s journey from members’ residences to its present Club House, inaugurated in February 1985, reflects its transformative growth.

In humility, the club acknowledges the passing of several Inaugural Members, whose indelible contributions are etched in the club’s history.

Membership has burgeoned to 150 professionals, including academicians, political leaders, and distinguished individuals, with the Great Hall renamed Somi Jaiyesimi Hall in honor of the club’s founder.

The introduction of Membership Numbers in 1976 marked a significant chapter in Oriwu Club’s history. The club’s constitution outlines three membership cadres: full, associate, and honorary, each playing a unique role in fostering a diverse and impactful community.

Oriwu Club’s influence extends beyond its membership, contributing to the socio-economic development of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, and the nation at large.

The Elders of the Club, including the Life Patron, The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, and the Grand Patron, the Governor of Lagos State, provide guidance and support for continuous growth.

As Oriwu Club celebrates over five decades of existence, its story stands as a testament to the power of unity, service, and the enduring legacy of a group of professionals who dared to dream and build a community for the greater good.