The Egba Ogboni, in collaboration with Hirealms Resources Limited, organised a 1-day Egba Ogboni 2026 Capacity Workshop for its members at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta.

The workshop, themed “Building a Better Egba Ogboni: Prospects and Challenges,” focused on strengthening the institution, promoting unity among members and highlighting the role of Ogboni in the development of Egbaland.

Declaring the event open, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, represented by the Lukotun of Kemta, Chief Z. O. Alatishe, described the workshop as a welcome development aimed at highlighting the roles of Ogboni and other traditional Institutions in the society.

He urged members to continue to provide responsible leadership in their various localities and encouraged the organisers to sustain the initiative by organising more workshops that would benefit other traditional institutions.

Speaking on “Preserving the Core Values and Tradition of Egba Ogboni in a Changing Society,” the Apena Egba, High Chief Olayiwola Alani Bankole, described Ogboni as an association of elders.

He explained the various leadership roles within the association, noting that the Oluwo is the head of chiefs in the Ogboni, while the Alake should be regarded as the head of Ogboni in Egbaland.

High Chief Bankole identified the four cardinal positions of Ogboni as Ologun, Olorogun, Parakoyi and Ode. He added that the Oluwo Ake is the traditional head of the Oluwo of Egbaland.

He attributed some of the challenges and disunity within the institution to inadequate knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of members. He also stressed the need to restore the values of peace and love upon which the Ogboni institution was built.

He called on members to abide by the rules and regulations of the association, noting that the practice of Ogboni is rooted in Yoruba culture and tradition.

Also speaking on “Strengthening the Relationship Between Egba Ogboni and Other Traditional Institutions in Egbaland,” the Asiwaju Bamofin of Egbaland, Chief Sunday Rotimi Oduntan, emphasised the leadership role of Ogboni within other traditional institutions.

He urged members to understand their responsibilities and desist from acts capable of tarnishing the image of the institution. He also encouraged them to embrace forgiveness and avoid using their positions to oppress others.

Chief Oduntan described the Ogboni meeting place as a “house of parliament,” noting that people should not be afraid to approach the institution. He called on members to present Ogboni in its true form and uphold its values.

On “The Role of Ogboni Members in Promoting Justice, Peace and Community Development,” the Oruntan of Balufe, Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile and the Bagbimo Egba, High Chief Akanni Akinwale on “Leadership, Discipline and Ethical Conduct in Egba Ogboni,” 

stressed the role of Ogboni members as intermediaries in resolving disputes between individuals and communities.

They emphasised the importance of discipline and proper conduct among members. The speakers urged senior chiefs to educate younger members and share the knowledge and experience they had acquired over the years to ensure the continuity of the institution.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Baasala of Ijemo, Chief Adeleke Ade-Adeniji, said a similar programme was organised about four years ago, adding that the latest workshop was necessary to address some of the challenges and anomalies within the Ogboni institution.

He urged participants to pay rapt attention to the discussions and make use of the knowledge gained from the workshop. He also stressed that Olorogun are an integral part of the Ogboni institution.