The serene town of Ikogosi came alive on December 28, 2025, as the elite sociocultural group, E-11, convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre. The high-profile gathering, which drew the crème de la crème of Ekiti’s political and professional circles, saw the election of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, as the new Chairman of the club’s Executive Committee (EXCO).
The meeting was a blend of strategic planning and celebration of excellence, reinforced by the appointment of top-tier dignitaries into the club’s advisory hierarchy. Former Governor and former Minister, HE Otunba Niyi Adebayo, was appointed as the Grand Patron, while the incumbent Governor, HE Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and the Senate Leader, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, were named Patrons.
Honours for Ekiti’s Finest:
A major highlight of the day was the Ekiti Leadership and Achievement Awards, where the club recognised individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the state and the nation. Among the distinguished awardees were Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State; HRM Oba Ajakaye, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti and wife, Olori Toyin Ajakaye; Dr. Femi Thomas, Chief Kola Akosile, OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso, Rt. Hon. Adetunji Taiwo Orisalade, Hon. Tunde Dada and Mr. Adeleke Adeniran were presented with Lifetime Achievement Award while Mr. Niyi John Olajide and Hon. Dapo Kolawole were presented awards in Business & Enterprise.
The investiture ceremony was conducted with traditional fanfare by the Life Grand Matron of E-11, HE Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who lauded the awardees for their unwavering commitment to the “Ekiti Project.”
In a move to inject fresh perspectives into the group, ten new members were formally inducted. The list of inductees featured heavyweights in the state’s administrative and academic sectors, including Hon. Oyeniyi Adebayo, Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor; Professor Victor Femi Adeoluwa, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) and Mr. Gbenga Ojo, Managing Director of Abound Oil and Gas amongst others.
In his acceptance remarks, the newly elected Chairman, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, thanked the members for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to steer the club toward greater community impact and sociocultural advocacy.
The AGM at the historic warm springs resort is being described by many as a “reunion of purpose,” setting the tone for the club’s activities in the coming year.
