Prince Olatunji visits Elegbe of Egbe, Advocates Strategic Alliances, Political Rethink for Okun Growth

By Ralph Agbana

Prince Olatunji Olusoji, entrepreneur, philanthropist and Group Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Grosvenor Global Services Ltd, has called on the Okun people of Kogi State to embrace strategic thinking, stronger alliances and unity to advance their political interests and secure their rightful place in the state’s political landscape.

Olusoji made the call 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, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Asiwaju I of Ayere, who described the visit as a homecoming, said the time had come for Okun people to translate their educational achievements and intellectual capacity into tangible political progress through deliberate planning, strategic partnerships and collective action.

- Advertisement -

He maintained that although the Okun people were widely known for their peaceful disposition, education and intelligence, they needed to rethink their political approach to achieve greater influence in Kogi State.

“Okun people naturally are peaceful people. So, we should continue to be peaceful and united. I always say anywhere I go that we can only achieve the goal we are looking for when we are united and peaceful,” he said.

Olusoji urged the people not to allow themselves to be manipulated or distracted from their collective aspirations, stressing that unity, patience and strategic alliance-building were essential to achieving sustainable political growth.

“Sadly, we are 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 restrategise and take a firm decision as Okun people,” he said.

He expressed confidence that a coordinated approach would enable Okun people to strengthen their political relevance and secure what he described as their rightful place in the politics of Kogi State.

The philanthropist also urged Okun people to remain patient and prayerful while building alliances with other groups and engaging constructively with the government of the day.

Describing Governor Usman Ododo as a simple, respectful and straightforward personality, Olusoji encouraged the people to continue supporting the state government while pursuing their political aspirations through dialogue, cooperation and strategic engagement.

“So, I will continue to appeal to our people: we should be patient, strategise and continue to be prayerful, and build alliances. That is the way forward for us as Okun people,” he added.

Beyond the political discourse, Olusoji assured the people of Egbe that the community would benefit from his commitment to humanitarian service and community development.

He said the visit fulfilled his promise to pay homage to the traditional ruler following his unavoidable absence from the 2026 Egbe Unity Day celebration, held on October 10, where he was designated as co-launcher.

The businessman, who founded the Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation (PROOF), said his philanthropic interventions across Okunland and other parts of Kogi State reflected his determination to improve lives through education, healthcare, business support and community development.

He assured the people that Egbe would not be excluded from his development initiatives, adding that he intended to consult individuals and community stakeholders to identify projects capable of leaving a lasting impact.

“Anywhere I go, I always say that as a bona fide son of Okun nation, it is Okun first and Okun always. It is the interest of my people before my personal interest because, to me, I believe it is all about our people,” he said.

He called on other successful sons and daughters of Okunland to return home and contribute to alleviating the challenges facing their communities.

Olusoji also recalled his donation of ₦10 million to the Egbemekun Development Association during the Egbe Unity Day celebration, reaffirming his commitment to supporting community development.

“I am someone who doesn’t just want to come to this earth, live a life and go away. I want to leave a lasting, enduring legacy behind, so that after 100 years, by the grace of God, when I have gone, people will still tell my story to unborn generations,” he said.

He commended Oba Irukera for his leadership and contributions to the wider Okun community, describing the monarch as a respected traditional ruler whose standing had been built on dignity, self-respect and exemplary conduct.

In his remarks, Oba Irukera expressed appreciation to Olusoji and his entourage for the visit, describing him as a son of Egbe whose commitment to the community had been demonstrated through his support for the Egbe Unity Day celebration.

The monarch recalled that although Olusoji was represented at the event, his ₦10 million donation and subsequent adoption as a son of the soil had demonstrated his interest in the community.

He said the personal visit had further strengthened the relationship, assuring Olusoji that the people were ready to work with him on development initiatives.

“Today’s visit has now made it a reality that you are one of us. You think about us, you are prepared to assist us and take up projects we might have been seeing as impossible,” the monarch said.

Oba Irukera urged the philanthropist to regard Egbe as a home within his larger Okun homeland and called for a sustained relationship that would produce tangible benefits for the community.

He also offered prayers for the safe return of Olusoji and members of his entourage to their respective destinations.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Egbe-born Ms Tayo Leslie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Tayo Leslie Foundation (TLF), described Olusoji’s visit as a moment of pride, joy and unity for the community.

Leslie, an associate of the businessman and engineer, praised his philanthropic activities and commitment to humanity, noting that his impact extended beyond his titles to the lives he touched and the communities he supported.

She said his homage to the Elegbe demonstrated respect for traditional institutions and a genuine appreciation of Egbe’s cultural heritage.

“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,” she said.

Leslie added that Olusoji was not merely a visitor but a brother and son of the community whose presence offered an opportunity to strengthen relationships and explore avenues for development.

The visit was attended by the Elegbe of Egbe, the Baale of Egbe, Oba Abiodun Agbana, representatives of the council of chiefs, youth and women groups, and other community stakeholders.

Olusoji’s visit underscored his stated commitment to community development while highlighting his call for Okun people to combine their educational strengths, peaceful disposition and collective identity with strategic political engagement and stronger alliances.

DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 24th, 2026