JXTC GENRE : DECEMBER 08 TEMPLATE

Akugbe Oretin is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States of America of Edo speaking indigene. This club is the springboard of all other identical organizations across U.S.A, which consequently gave birth to EDO NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (ENA) U.S.A who’s the Grandmother of all similar Organizations across the nation.

The co-founders of the Club were Victor Edoimioya, Reuben Edobor, Stanley Woghiren, Parker Ehinmwenma, Ernest Edoimioya and a host of others. The initial members of the Akugbe-Oretin Club constituted the Binis, Ishan and Afemais. As the population of the Edo’s indigenes continued to grow in Chicago, some of the ethnic Edo’s saw the need to branch out to form their Unions. This move gave birth to other unions such as Easan United Association and Edo North Association. In later years, the Edo women also constituted themselves into Uwa Women Cub under the leadership of Ms Roseline Shine. Despite these diversity, we work together as a homogenous group with common ancestral beliefs. The great Akugbe-Oretin Club which is the grand father to others Edo’s ethnic club in Chicago, also gave birth to what is now known as Edo National Association in 1991.

The first president of the club was Victor Edoimioya. He reigned for three months due to unforeseen circumstances. The burden of leadership then fell on late Stanley Woghiren. The early era will be remembered for its ego and verbal infighting amongst the members. Despite our many problems, former President Woghiren was still able to keep us together. The early days could be compared to the dark ages when there was no suitable record keeping. This lack of record keeping plagued the union until the latter part of its life. However, this period should not be discounted because it was a learning period that later gave rise to the brighter days to come.

This and some other catastrophes almost rocked the club to extinction. The aftermath was devastating. Membership enrollment dropped, some of the old members have not since rejoined the club till this date. This period in all likelihood could be compared to the Benin dynasty. An era in which there was no ruling monarch. Chief Ogiamien became the acting Oba of Benin. It was during this difficult time that Amos Obazee was sworn in as the third president of the club. He tried relentlessly to patch the pieces together. His house became the stopping spot of all the Binis coming to Chicago. He sheltered them and helped to give them a start in life in the USA. According to former governor James Thompson “Tough times demand tough leaders.” Amos Obazee was the tough leader that wedged the club together, this was an unforgettable period. History will remember him as a leader who saved Akugbe-Oretin Club from crumbling. He will never be forgotten.

The fourth president was Vincent Osaghae, the youngest president that the club has ever produced. He was a prudent leader. A leader who believed in excellence. His administration initiated the program of rewarding new college graduates with $100.00. This reward inspired many people to graduate. During his reign the constitution was amended and club Almanac was established. Today, he is one of our prominent educators.

We the Binis ( a tribe from Edo State, Nigeria ) in Chicago and its metropolitan area, aware of our responsibility to our City, State and our Country resolved to constitute ourselves into Akugbe-Oretin Club, Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1979. Akugbe-Oretin Club is a registered not for profit organization whose purpose is to promote unity, awareness and to improve social, educational, economic and spiritual welfare among it’s members. Also, to uphold to the heritage of the Edo people.