June 2, (THEWILL)- Hakeem Alobo-Bakare’s dream to become chairman of Island Club has been truncated by the emergence of Prince Olurotimi Martins. Alobo-Bakare, a Lagos State-born building developer, construction giant and notable socialite had set his eyes on leading the prestigious club to the next level. The businessman is not just a member, but part of the club’s history. He has been a member of the inter-racial club for over 32 years and seen it grow and evolve over the years. Had he won, his experiences would have equipped him not only with a deep understanding of the complexities of leadership but also with a profound respect for the values that bind them all at one of the most exalted social clubs in the country.
The Otunba Bobajiro of Jogaland had envisioned for the club, if elected as chairman, fostering a sense of community, enhancing the members’ engagement and ensuring the sustainability of the club for future generations. Unfortunately, whether by grand design or by choice, Alobo-Bakare did not appear on the ballot on the day of the club’s election.
Martins emerged chairman after polling 272 votes to defeat his closest rival, Shogunle Olayinka who polled 198 votes. His deputy, Engineer Amure Damola polled 370 votes to defeat Danjuma Alao Kamoru who polled 101 votes. Some of the highly placed membersof the club who were present during the voting process include former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; former Works Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Retired Justice George Adesola Oguntade; Bisi Olatilo; Senator Felix Bajomo; former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode; former Chairman, Body of Benchers of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wole Olanipekun; Abayomi Finnish; Chief Alex Duduyemi, former Deputy chairman, All Progressive Congress, APC; Iyiola Omisore; Tai Elemosho-Okesanjo and many others.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
