The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and the Olowu of Owu, Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, have given their full backing to the initiatives of the Egba Economic Summit in constituting a committee to prepare the New Abeokuta Master Plan.
The plan covers the six local government areas in Ogun Central Senatorial District, namely Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Odeda, Obafemi Owode, and Ifo.
The committee, tasked with drafting the new master plan, is composed of seasoned professionals from various fields.
Captain Temilola Okesanjo, a foundation member of EES, has been appointed chairman. Other members include Prof. Oyesiku, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, Engr. Bayo Adeola, and Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, President of the EES. The EES Administrative Secretary will serve as the committee secretary.
Adeoye described the team as highly competent, noting that his role is largely observational, while also helping to raise funds to ensure the project’s success.
Speaking during the event, the Olowu of Owu expressed his support for all developmental initiatives in Egbaland and pledged to back the EES advocacy for projects across the six local governments.
He also urged urgent action on key infrastructure projects, including the Ajebo-Idi Aba Express Road, stressing its importance as an alternative route from Abeokuta to Ibadan and as access to the permanent site of the Federal University of Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA).
The summit president highlighted plans to scrutinise Ogun State’s 2026 budget to track capital projects in the Central Senatorial District, ensuring proper follow-up and implementation.
Okesanjo, in his remarks, lamented the state of many areas in Abeokuta, stressing that development must be controlled and that some historical structures should not be sold to preserve the city’s tourism potential.
The team inspected heritage sites around Olumo Rock, including Adagba Street, Sodeke, Ikija, and Erunwon, identifying buildings to be preserved.
Chief Olusola Adeoye, the Osupori of Owu Kingdom, commended the summit’s agenda, urging Dr. Adeoye to remain steadfast despite potential opposition from those resistant to progress.
The Olowu further assured EES of his collaboration with the Alake to see the New Abeokuta Master Plan come to fruition, to ensure timely completion of the Ajebo-Idi Aba Road, and to revive Abeokuta City Centre along with other developmental projects.
He emphasised that selfless leadership is critical to sustainable development, praising the members of EES for their commitment, As he described professionals like Engr Ola Sobande of Shell, Yinka Chris Coker, Bunmi Lawson, and Surakatu Lateef as exemplary leaders.
Dr. Adeoye also commended the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Engr. David Umahi, for initiating night repairs on the Sango-Otta-Abeokuta-Ewekoro road, urging further attention to roads linking Apata-Ibadan, Abeokuta, and the OGTV-Ajebo stretch to unlock economic potential for towns and villages in the area.
All stakeholders agreed on the collective responsibility of the Egba people to prevent any acts that could impede development for selfish interests.
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