From Ralph Omololu Agbana, Lokoja

Renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Group Chairman/CEO of Grosvenor Global Services Ltd, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, paid a historic visit to the Elegbe of Egbe and Chairman of the Yagba West Traditional Council, Yagba West Local Council, Kogi State, Oba Ayodele Irukera, at his palace at the weekend.

Describing the visit as a “homecoming,” Olusoji used the platform to advocate for the unity, development, and political advancement of the Okun nation, Yoruba-speaking people in Kogi State.

His message came amid agitation for the rotation of the state governorship to Kogi West Senatorial District, the only section yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation 35 years ago.

Addressing a crowded palace square filled with chiefs, traditional rulers, and residents, Prince Olusoji, who also holds the title of Asiwaju I of Ayere, delivered a philosophical message on the political future of the Okun people. He praised the intellectual capacity and peaceful nature of the Okun population but raised a critical concern regarding their historical political trajectory.

“Sadly, we are the most educated in Kogi State but politically naive,” Olusoji remarked, urging the community to translate their intellectual strength into strategic political success, he said, adding, “It is high time we sat down as Okun people to put this intelligence to work; rethink, re-strategize, and take firm decisions.”

He emphasized that achieving the long-term goals of the Okun nation requires unity, careful alliance building, and avoiding external manipulation.

Prince Olusoji strongly appealed to the Okun people to maintain their peaceful disposition and continue supporting the current administration of Governor Usman Ododo, whom he described as a respectful, straightforward, and wonderful personality. He noted that navigating the political landscape of Kogi State successfully requires patience, strategic planning, and collaborative partnerships.

As the founder of the Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation (PROOF)—a non-profit organisation active across Kogi State in the areas of healthcare, education, business support, and community outreach —Olusoji concluded by emphasizing his desire to leave a lasting impact.

“I am someone who doesn’t just want to come to this earth, live a life, and go away. I want to live a lasting, enduring legacy behind,” he stated, reinforcing his principle of putting the collective interest of the community ahead of personal ambitions.

The visit served as a fulfilment of a promise made by Prince Olusoji following his unavoidable absence from the 2026 Egbe Unity Day (EUD) on October 10, where he was designated as the Co-Launcher. Represented at the event by Otunba Shuaib Ipinmisho, the philanthropist had previously demonstrated his commitment to the community by donating N10 million to the Egbe Mekun Development Association’s community project fund.

During his palace address, Olusoji assured the traditional council and the community that this visit marked the beginning of sustainable development initiatives for Egbe, promising to engage directly with community stakeholders to establish enduring legacy projects.

In his remarks, Oba Irukera expressed appreciation to Olusoji, whom he addressed as “son”, for his donation during Egbe Unity Day and the highly anticipated visit, which became a reality. The monarch noted that although, Olusoji had sent a representative who stood in for him, donated N10m during the annual cultural celebrations and subsequently adopted as a “son of the soil”, “Today’s visit has now made it a reality that you are one of us, you think about us, you’re prepared to assist us, take up projects we might have been seeing as impossible”.

Saying Olusoji should see Egbe as “home within home”, the monarch called for the sustenance of the relationship and future reciprocity, and prayed for a safe return of the visitors to their destinations.