History of Egbe Omo Otun USA: The Genesis
The National Egbe Omo Otun USA has its roots in the events of March 1998, which unfolded during the wedding celebration of Tayo Ajibade. While no formal meeting took place, the concept of forming the National Egbe Omo Otun, USA emerged through discussions at the wedding. It was collectively decided that a formal gathering would be organized in the future.
During this time, Egbe Omo Otun New York was already in existence, presided over by Mrs. Mary Ajibade, Senior. Later in 1998, the first official meeting of the national body took place, hosted by the New York chapter at Brother Dele (Elder) Ajibade’s previous residence on Elliot Place, Brooklyn, New York. It was during this meeting that the National Egbe Omo Otun, USA, was formally established, with HRM Oba Oladele Popoola in attendance, then the “Oba elected” residing in Connecticut.
At this pivotal meeting, Prof. Ebun Atolagbe, PhD, was elected as the inaugural President, and Mr. Olaniyi Adeoye was chosen as the Secretary General of Egbe Omo Otun, USA.
Executives
Under the guidance of the first Executive President, Elder (Prof.) Ebun Atolagbe, the organization achieved significant milestones. The constitution was expertly drafted by Elder (Dr.) Sunday Fadeyi and the late Elder Olu Afolayan, receiving unanimous adoption. Egbe Omo Otun, USA, was officially registered in Denver, Colorado, and a bank account was opened in Maryland. The organization successfully raised $15,000 to support the repair of Oore’s palace in Otun. Notably, the first Otun Day event took place in California, honoring Hon. Chief Joseph Adeleke Awoyinka and hosted by Egbe Omo Otun, California, under the leadership of Prof. Ebun Atolagbe.
Under the stewardship of Dr. Sunday Fadeyi, PE, DM, the second Executive continued the progress initiated by the first. Several significant steps were taken, including the establishment of a national bank account in Maryland, DC. In 2003, Egbe hosted Oore during its 6th Annual General Meeting in Denver, Colorado. The Executive extended financial aid to Egbe Omo Otun in Nigeria and initiated an Educational Assistance program for students in Otun, investing $1,590 in evening classes.
Additionally, Egbe sponsored Oore’s trip to the meeting held in Denver Colorado, contributing $2,120, and facilitated Sen. Kolawole’s attendance at our meeting in New York. During the celebrations hosted by the Maryland Chapter, Egbe raised a total of $12,000. The handling of the funds raised in Maryland and New York led to controversy, resulting in the elimination of the Branches concept and the establishment of direct individual membership in the National Egbe.
During the tenure of the third Executive, Prof. Oyeniyi Aina, PhD, served as President and hosted an annual general meeting in Connecticut. He oversaw the organization’s affairs until successfully handing over to the fourth President, Elder Samuel Taye Adeosun.
The fourth Executive, led by President Elder Samuel Taye Adeosun, served from June 26, 2010, to May 26, 2017. This Executive faced various challenges, including addressing Oba James Oladele Popoola’s statutory placement among other Obas in Moba, Ekiti, and Yoruba communities. They raised $16,000 sent to Otun through Elder Sunday Fadeyi to support Oba James Oladele Popoola during his 10th-anniversary celebration. Egbe paid tribute to Late Hon. Pa Joseph Adeleke Awoyinka in a Nigerian newspaper. During their tenure, they also took on the New York chapter’s hotel project in Otun, though it faced challenges and was eventually handed over to the fifth Executive.
The fifth Executive, led by President Mr. Joseph Adeoye, faced challenges, including limited participation from Omo Otun living abroad. Nevertheless, they raised $20,000 to support Oba James Oladele Popoola’s medical bills and provided $20,000 in palliative care to the Otun Ekiti community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Egbe began the reconstruction of a hotel project in Nigeria and worked on resolving the issue of Oba’s statutory placement. They handed over $8,000 to the current Executive.
The sixth Executive, headed by Dr. Abiodun Orisasona, came into office during the COVID-19 pandemic and was elected virtually in November 2020. They inherited the challenges of the New York chapter’s hotel project and Oba’s statutory placement. The new Executive formed committees to address these issues but ultimately decided to discontinue the hotel project due to resource constraints and extensive needed renovations at Moba Grammar School. They also worked on the Oba’s statutory placement.
Despite challenges, the Executive accomplished several key objectives, including renovating classrooms at Moba Grammar School, raising funds for Oba Adekunle Adeagbo’s Coronation Ceremony, and expanding Egbe Omo Otun’s reach to the UK, Europe, Australia, and the Dallas Fort Worth Area (although, Mr. John, residing in Australia had been a member from the beginning of Egbe). Egbe initiated the registration of Egbe Omo Otun Abroad with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria and began the process of opening Egbe’s bank account in Nigeria. The digitization of Egbe Omo Otun Abroad contact information is also in progress.