News & Events

About Us

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.

Our fifth president was Hilary Omoigui. He broadened the scope of the club. During his tenure, the club was brought into prominence in line with other Nigerian clubs in Chicago. He was the first president to work closely with the Nigerian National Alliance. He was one of the Nigerian leaders that brought the Nigeria Ambassador to Chicago to renew Nigerian passport. He is currently the chairman of the Akugbe Credit Union.

Ayo Uwensuyi was the club sixth president. He was a leader who set priorities over the clubs bureaucrats. He worked hard to register the club with the City of Chicago. He tried hard to earn the club what accountants call “shelter provision”. When it came to his knowledge that a young Bini man was homeless, he moved quickly to rehabilitate him. He is one of our most respectable statesmen.

The seventh president was Dr. Stephen Aghahowa. Mere words are not enough to describe this noble man. He is a man of ideas, a man committed to the cause of humanity. His achievements are of vast realm. To name a few: His initiatives gave rise to the coming together of all the Edo Clubs across the USA that gave birth to the Edo National Association of the Americas on December 7, 1991. His other initiatives include our credit union and Edo house. Under his administration, the club finally earned the non-profit status. He pioneers unity once again among the Binis, Ishan and Afemais. He is currently promoting IZOMO among the Edo speaking people in Chicago. We are blessed to have a man of his caliber as our leader.

The eight President was Idris Alohan. Upon resuming office, he made our official meeting place to be held at Margate Park located at 4921 North Marine Drive, Chicago, Illinois. He promoted Membership drive which nets the Union three thousand dollars($3000.00). Under his leadership in 1996, he embarked on a skillful fundraising and the proceeds were used to purchase the “ Edo House ”. Edo house is today the pride of Edo Community. He organized “ Summer Summit” on July 22, 1995. The “Summer Summit” addressed hatred and disunity in our community. In this Summit various speakers were invited to address issues that affect us. The guest speakers were Mr. Onayemi who spoke on the effect of Drug on Society, Dr. Stephen Aghahowa talked about the importance of education, Mr. Benson Obaseki talked about the importance of record keeping in business world, Dr Ewa topic was Nigeria; where do we go from here and Dr. Oronsaye’s topic was Aids as number one causes of death. Under his presidency Agkube-Oretin Club interest was duly promoted at Edo National Association annual meetings.

Kingsley Ehimwenma was sworn in as the ninth President of Akugbe-Oretin Club. During his tenure of office, he enlisted the services of Vincent Osaghae, a Certified Public Accountant to update our financial record, and to quarterly present our financial condition to members at the session of the meeting. Mr. Osaghae gracefully accepted this function which he performs till these day without billing the Union a dime. He levied members the sum of one hundred twenty dollars ( $120.00 ) to upset the Edo House rehab loan from our credit union incurred by prior administration. He had a strong alliance with other Edo’s ethnic clubs in Chicago. He succeeded in organizing a jointed end of year party with other Edo’s ethnic clubs in Chicago. Igue festival was initiated under his watch. His leadership demonstrated great passion, love and sense of belongings during the last days of our brother late President Stanley Woghiren. As faith would have it, at the end of his administration, he handed over the presidency to his brother Parker Ehimwenma who was duly elected.

Parker Ehimwenma became the tenth and current president of Akugbe –Oretin Club. He spelt out his administration manifest during his inaugural address. To high light some of the agendas such as expanding Edo house to accommodate more people and appointing a legal practitioner to help abate our property tax. Most of his proposal is still at the planning stages. The current President has a personable charms which are yet to transform into outreach efforts and skillful administration.