By Ralph Agbana
Entrepreneur, renowned philanthropist and Group Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Grosvenor Global Services Ltd, Prince Olatunji Olusoji has called for a strategic rethink and stronger alliance building to accelerate the political progress of the Okun people.
Olusoji made the assertion on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Elegbe of Egbe and Chairman of the Yagba West Traditional Council, Oba Ayodele Irukera, at his palace in Egbe. Speaking during the visit, the prominent philanthropist emphasized that forming strategic external partnerships and restructuring current political approaches are the most effective strategies to drive sustainable advancement for the region.
He described his visit as “homecoming” and assured the Elegbe that setting his feet on Egbe soil was “a sign of good things” to come to the community.
He founded Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation (PROOF), a non-profit organization focused on improving lives through education, healthcare, business suppor and community outreach with footprints across Kogi State.
To Oba Irukera, Olusoji assured that Egbe community would not be left out, as he waxed philosophical:”I’m someone who doesn’t just want to come to this earth and live a life and go away. I want to live a lasting, enduring legacy behind. That after 100 years by the grace of God when I have gone, people will still tell my story to the unborn generation”.
He said” Like the various speakers have rightly said, my footprint is almost everywhere in Okun nation and Kogi State at large. Egbe will not be left out.”
In addition to the N10m donation to Egbemekun Development Association during Egbe Unity Day, he promised to engage individuals from the community on the types of legacies to establish in the community.
Addressing the crowd gathered at the palace square, who included the Elegbe, Baale of Egbe, Oba Abiodun Agbana, representatives of council of chiefs, youth and women groups, Olusoji said: “Anywhere I go I always say as a bonafide son of Okun nation it is Okun first and Okun always. It is the first of my people’s interest before my personal interest because to me i believe it is all about our people. So for us Okun sons who God has given the opportunity in different spheres of life we should always come back home to think of how we can ameliorate the sufferings of our people”.
He said his visit was in fulfilment of his promise following his unavoidable absence at the 2026 Egbe Unity Day, where he was designated the Co-Launcher. The EUD held on October 10.
He thanked the Elegbe of Egbe for his leadership of role in the broader Okun nation.
He said he had watched Oba Irukera from afar and is not in doubt that he is one of Okun’s revered traditional rulers who command respect and leadership, traits he said the monarch earned through self respect and good carriage.
The Founder/CEO of Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation (PROOF), a non-profit organization focused on improving lives through education, healthcare, business suppor and community development with footprints across Kogi State, waxed philosophical:”I’m someone who doesn’t just want to come to this earth and live a life and go away. I want to live a lasting, enduring legacy behind. That after 100 years by the grace of God when I have gone, people will still tell my story to the unborn generation”.
Strategic Thinking, Alliance Building as Way Forward
Olusoji, who is the Asiwaju I of Ayere extolled the virtues of an average Okun man. He said Okun people are widely recognized for their peaceful, accommodating, and deeply communal natured, educated and intelligent.
Sadly, he said the people over the years have been unable to translate their intelligence into political growth, saying the moment called for a rethink.
“Okun people naturally are peaceful people. So, we should continue to be peaceful and united. I always say anywhere I go we can only achieve the goal we are looking for when we are united and peaceful. Don’t allow anybody deceive you, don’t allow anybody manipulate you. I am not shied away from the truth, we know what we are looking for as Okun people. Nobody is disputing that fact, but what we are saying is that we should be strategic and sensible. We should not just be participants always. Sadly, we’re the most educated in Kogi State but politically naive. It is high time we sat down as Okun people to put this intelligence into work; rethink and restrategize and take the firm decision as Okun people, and I want to assure you that with that, Kabiyesi, the sky is our limit. Okun will take its righful place in the politics of Kogi State”.
Describing Governor Usman Ododo as a “wonderful personality, a very simple man, respectful and very straightforward”, Olusoji appealed to Okun people to continue to support the government of the day, be strategic and patient in the pursuit of their political goals within the equation of Kogi State.
“So, I will continue to appeal to our people, we should be patient, strategize and continue to be prayerful, and build alliance, and that is the way forward for us as Okun people”.
Your Visit Proves You’re One of Us – Elegbe
In his remarks, Oba Irukera expressed appreciation to Olusoji who he addressed as “son”, and his entourage for his donation during Egbe Unity Day and the highly anticipated visit, which became a reality. The monarch noted that although, Olusoji had sent a representative who stood in for him, donated N10m during the annual cultural celebrations and subsequently adopted as a son of the soil, “Today’s visit has now made it a reality that you are one of us, you think about us, you’re prepared to assist us, take up projects we might have been seeing as impossible”.
Saying Olusoji should see Egbe as “home within home”, he called for the sustenance of the relationship and future reciprocity, and prayed for the safe return of the visitors to their destinations.
Our Doors Are Open, Our Hearts Are Glad – Tayo Leslie
In her welcome address, Egbe-born Ms Tayo Leslie, Founder/CEO Tayo Leslie Foundation (TLF) and an associate of the business tycon and engineer, described the presence of the “Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom and Ene-Umola of Attah Igala” in Egbe as “a moment of pride, joy, and unity, and an opportunity to celebrate a man whose impact goes beyond titles into the lives he touches and the communities he inspires”.
She added: “Prince Olatunji Olusoji, a man whose greatness is felt not just in his titles, but in his generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to humanity. Your visit to Egbe and your homage to our Royal Father, the Elegbe of Egbe, have touched our hearts and honoured our heritage. We deeply appreciate your respect for our traditional institution and your genuine love for our people.
“Today, our doors are open, our hearts are glad, and our people are proud to receive you. May your footsteps in Egbe bring blessings, lasting friendships, greater opportunities, and a legacy that generations will remember. Welcome to Egbe, our beloved community! You are not just a visitor; you are a cherished friend, a brother, and a son of our great land”.
