A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and Convener of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, has pledged to mobilise indigenes of Keesi at home and in the diaspora for accelerated development following his installation as the Odofin of Keesi Town in Egbaland.
Showunmi was formally installed on Wednesday at the Ogboni House, Keesi, Abeokuta, amid fanfare, traditional rites and commendations from community leaders and residents.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, the former Ogun State governorship aspirant described the Odofin stool as a strategic and historic office deeply rooted in the heritage of Keesi, noting that it comes with a responsibility to unite and reposition the community for sustainable progress.
He expressed gratitude to the elders and people of the town for what he called a “profound honour,” adding that the title is traditionally associated with the Akiroku family, from which he hails.
“My grandfather held this title. My father is the present Balogun and my uncle is the Apena. With many of our leaders advancing in age, it is important for the younger generation to step forward and contribute meaningfully to community development,” he said.
Showunmi stressed that his immediate priority would be to rally Keesi indigenes across generations and locations to support a structured development agenda for the town.
He described Keesi as one of four communities that originated from the same ancestral homestead, emphasising that it remains the eldest among them and has historically played a leading role in Egbaland.
Highlighting the town’s legacy, he noted that Keesi distinguished itself early as a pacesetter, being among the first communities in the area to establish a community hall, school, clinic and local power infrastructure.
“We know who we are and we are confident in our identity. By the grace of God, we will continue to add value and drive more development to our people,” he stated.
As part of his development drive, Showunmi disclosed that he recently commissioned a comprehensive needs assessment involving indigenes both at home and abroad to identify priority areas requiring urgent intervention.
According to him, the report will soon be submitted, after which a committee will be constituted to translate its recommendations into actionable projects.
He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure that development efforts are data-driven, inclusive and reflective of the aspirations of the people.
The PDP stalwart further argued that meaningful national transformation must begin at the grassroots, adding that communities must take deliberate steps to organise themselves and harness their human and material resources.
“If you are given the opportunity to transform a state, you can begin from your own community and use it as a model for wider development,” he said.
Some indigenes who spoke at the event said Showunmi’s installation was in recognition of his sustained contributions to the socio-economic growth of the town and his demonstrated leadership within and beyond Ogun State.
They expressed confidence that his emergence as Odofin would strengthen unity among Keesi indigenes, attract fresh investments and accelerate infrastructural and social development in t
he community and its environs.
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