About five months ago the prestigious High Society Club of Nigeria inaugurated members of its new executive council to pilot the association’s affairs for the next three years. Leading the new exco is the Governor-General of the club, Chief (Engr) Senior Apostle Ambassador Fredrick Faramola Egbaiyelo, a.k.a 'Jaburata'.
Egbaiyelo's election victory was unprecedented. He beat other contestants in the election with a wide margin. This is because he didn't just wake to say he wants to contest. He enjoyed the immense supports of the elders of the club being one of them. In fact, he was persuaded to contest in other for him to rescue the club from its moribund state. He's believed to be the right person for the tasks due to his experience and connections.
Of course, Jab, as he's popularly called, has all it takes to take the club to the next level, and that exactly what he's doing since he assumed office as Governor-General. He's attracting the needed supports for the club with his resources, goodwill and influence at all levels. Egbaiyelo is quite popular and influential. His alias 'Jaburata' is well known in the social circle. He has featured in Juju icon KSA's music on several occasions.
Not only that, Chief Egbaiyelo is also deeply rooted in the affairs of the club having joined when he was still very young. Little wonder that he's also setting a new record as the first member of the elders forum of the club to have come back to contest an election.
But how did Egbaiyelo join High Society Club of Nigeria and what are his plans to turn the fortune of the club around, he was asked recently.
"Let me start by saying emphatically that High Society Club of Nigeria is an indigenous Yoruba club organized by Yorubas. That explains why all the traditional rulers in Yorubaland are automatically members. That is also why a reigning Ooni is the grand patron.
I joined the club through some Obas. The likes of late Ooni Okunade Sijuade and Chief Wiki were founders of the club. They were the ones who brought me in. When I first came here, I was afraid to sit because those I met were elderly people. I was the youngest among them in 1978, and the first young member of the club.
My property over there was used as a storehouse when they were building the club. So, they decided to give me an honorary membership. They were like my fathers yet we related like friends. That is how all members have been relating with one another. We help ourselves. We do things together. We are very close. I can say it categorically that I motivated other young men who later joined the club."
On his plans for the club of the Governor-General.
"We are presently working on the upgrading of our hall that was built about two years ago. We want to equip it to enable us rent it put to the outsiders. My sincere appreciation goes to the Iyalaje Odu'a, Princess Toyin Lolade and others who have donated towards the realization of this project. Iyalaje has been supportive of the club.
Apart from that, we also plan to modify some structures in the club and add some others as well. We want the club to be independent financially. So we don't have to bother any member for projects when the club is generating its own income. This is the first time that member of the elders forum of the club would come down to contest an election. And we won't disappoint in putting things in proper ways. I'm here to work and I believe we'll achieve tangible results with the help of members of the executive and support of other members."
Speaking further, Egbaiyelo explained that to become a member of High Society Club of Nigeria come with some standards that can never be compromised.
According to him, the club doesn't admit members anyhow. An intending member must be recommended by a member of the club.
"It's not about money," Egbaiyelo said. For one to be admitted as a member there some strict process to be followed. The must have a known source of livelihood, a clean record and must be recommended by a bonafide member of the club.
When asked why High Society Club of Nigeria doesn't have female members, Chief Egbaiyelo has this to say.
"High Society Club of Nigeria is strictly men's club. Though we have women who are our matrons. Like some of the Ibrus, late Fatugase. We have about ten of them. Iyalaje Odu'a Princess Toyin Lolade is one of them."
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