Gbongan is a town blessed with a long tradition of social activities, entertainment and community associations. For decades, the town has been home to prominent socialites, clubs and societies that contributed immensely to the social and cultural life of the community.
Indeed, whenever towns and cities renowned for vibrant social activities are mentioned, Gbongan deserves a prominent place in the conversation.
From the 1960s through the 1970s, 1980s and beyond, social clubs became an important part of life in Gbongan. These clubs brought people together, promoted friendship and solidarity, celebrated important occasions and, importantly, provided platforms for entertainment.
Some Notable Social Clubs and Societies in Gbongan
Among the clubs and social groups that have been associated with Gbongan over the years are:
- Egbe Ewe Nla
- Egbe Oloro
- Morning Star
- Africana Club
- Gbongan Inland Club
- Rollicking Brothers Club
- Dynamic Club
- Club 25
- Premier Club
- Sociable Club
- Klob 1082
- Twenty Sisters Club
- Royal Ambassadors Club
- Gbongan Success Circle
- Evergreen Club
- Rising Club
- Pacesetter’s Club
- Gbongan Standard Club
- Club 50
- Almighty Club
- Impressive Club
- Club 90
- Moderators Club
- Mega City Club
- Egbe Ajenifuja
- Egbe Bomodeoku
- Egbe Ninalowo
- Egbe Oba Ní Basiri
- Egbe Omolere
- Club 25
- Progressive Adults Club, popularly known as PAK 76
- The Socialites Club
- Gbongan Like Minds Club
- Gbongan Social Elite Club
- Young Brothers of Gbongan
These organisations, among others, formed an important part of the town’s social history and helped establish Gbongan as a community where celebrations, social gatherings and entertainment were highly valued.
When Musical Legends Came to Gbongan
The history of social entertainment in Gbongan would not be complete without mentioning some of the legendary Nigerian musicians who performed in the town.
Over the years, Gbongan played host to several giants of Yoruba and Nigerian music, who came to perform at funerals, birthdays, weddings, house-warming ceremonies, installations and other important social occasions.
Some of the documented visits include:
Dr. I. K. Dairo
Dr. I. K. Dairo reportedly visited Gbongan in 1967 during the burial of Pa Samuel Daramola Toyosi, father of the late Supo and Bayo Toyosi.
Haruna Ishola
The legendary Apala musician, Haruna Ishola, reportedly came to Gbongan in the 1970s, performing twice for Egbe Ewe Nla.
Chief Ebenezer Obey
Chief Ebenezer Obey visited Gbongan in 1980 to perform for Colonel Yemi Alabi Oriyangi during his house-warming ceremony.
King Sunny Ade
The internationally acclaimed King Sunny Ade reportedly came to Gbongan twice in the 1980s, performing for Madam Mulikat Tight and Chief Abiola Morakinyo.
Alhaji Dauda Akanmu Epo Akara
Epo Akara also visited Gbongan around 1981/1982, where he performed for Egbe Oloro Society.
Dele Ojo
The late highlife maestro Dele Ojo reportedly performed at the marriage ceremony of the late Chief Abiola Morakinyo, believed to have taken place around 1964–1966.
Dauda Omowura
Alhaji Dauda Omowura performed during the burial of Pa Ogunleye at Ile-Oloba, Ajibesin, in 1981. He reportedly came to Gbongan shortly after the death of his brother that same year.
Jimi Solanke
Jimi Solanke performed during the burial of Ọmọ-Ọba Oyebamiji Daodu Makanju.
Wasiu Ayinde
Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, performed at Oke Ofa during the burial ceremony of the grandmother of Prince (Chief) Bayo Asabi in 1985.
Admiral Dele Abiodun
Admiral Dele Abiodun performed at Prince Bayo Asabi’s mother’s 70th birthday celebration in 1990 at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Gbongan.
Wale Thompson
Wale Thompson later performed at the burial ceremony of Prince Bayo Asabi’s father at St. Patrick’s Grammar School in 2000.
Prof. Y. K. Ajao
Prof. Y. K. Ajao performed in Gbongan in 2003 at St. Luke’s Primary School, Adenuga Area.
Musiliu Ishola
Musiliu Ishola performed at the wedding ceremony of Khadija Adefunke Ogunsola Bakare (Akomola) in 2008 at D.C. Primary School, Oke Ofa, Gbongan.
Yinka Ayefele
Yinka Ayefele has had several recorded appearances in Gbongan. He performed at the birthday celebration of the late Chief Abiola Morakinyo in 2009 at St. Paul’s Primary School, Oke Church, Gbongan.
He also performed at the funeral ceremony of the late Barrister Lawrence Adebisi Adedeji at St. Paul’s Primary School.
In 2024, Ayefele was among the prominent musicians who performed during the funeral ceremony of Dr. Olori Florence Babayemi.
Saheed Osupa
Saheed Osupa performed for Chief Tunji Oyebanji in 2010, although the specific occasion requires further confirmation.
He was also among the musicians who performed at the funeral ceremony of Dr. Olori Florence Babayemi in 2024.
Safejo Amama
Safejo Amama performed during the burial party of Pa Suarau Ogunsola Salami (Akomola) in 2010 at D.C. Primary School, Oke Ofa, Gbongan.
He also performed alongside Shefiu Alao, Abass Akande, Shina Akanni and Ere Asalatu at the burial party of the mother of Mr. Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, in 2010.
Shefiu Alao, Abass Akande, Shina Akanni and Ere Asalatu
These entertainers were also among the artistes who performed at the burial party of Mr. Latin’s mother in Gbongan in 2010.
Taiye Currency
Taiye Currency reportedly performed in Gbongan around 2023.
Kolington Ayinla
Alhaji Kolington Ayinla performed at the installation ceremony of Chief Kayode Ogunkunle in 2024.
Funmi Aragbaye
Funmi Aragbaye performed during the burial ceremony of Chief Joseph Adebisi Sangodeyi in Gbongan.
Wasiu Ayinde, Saheed Osupa and Yinka Ayefele
These three major artistes were among the notable performers at the 2024 funeral ceremony of Dr. Olori Florence Babayemi, further demonstrating Gbongan’s enduring reputation as a destination for major social and musical events.
A Living Social Heritage
From the old social clubs of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s to the contemporary social organisations and entertainment events of today, Gbongan has maintained a remarkable culture of celebration.
The stories of Egbe Ewe Nla, Egbe Oloro, Morning Star, Africana Club, Gbongan Inland Club, PAK 76, The Socialites Club, Gbongan Social Elite Club and many others are not merely stories about social gatherings. They are part of the history of the town and the people who shaped its social life.
The visits of legendary musicians such as I. K. Dairo, Haruna Ishola, Ebenezer Obey, Dele Ojo, King Sunny Ade, Epo Akara, Dauda Omowura, Admiral Dele Abiodun, Wasiu Ayinde, Yinka Ayefele, Saheed Osupa, Kolington Ayinla and others equally demonstrate how deeply entertainment and social celebrations have been woven into Gbongan’s history.
This rich heritage deserves to be documented before the memories, names, dates and stories of those who built Gbongan’s social culture are lost.
Gbongan is not just a town with social activities; it is a town with a social history worth preserving.
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