YEMOJI LODGE – District Grand Lodge of Nigeria

YEMOJI LODGE - NO. 9318 (1989)

The Idea to form Yemoji Lodge emanated from Chief O.O.A Omo-Ogunsowobo and this was to his credit. He realized that Ijebu Area of Ogun State, had no English Constitution Masonic Lodge. He therefore addressed himself on the matter and took it upon himself to encourage well meaning Masons to join hands with him in founding, specifically, a Lodge that would be under the English Constitution in Ijebu area.

On the 15th of February 1988, Wor. Bro. Ogunsowobo organized a meeting with some of his close Masonic Friends, namely, Bro. Chief J.I.S. Hart, Bro. H.B.K. Bob-Manuel and Bro. Chief S.E. Onah at his residence in Ketu, Lagos and opened discussion with them on the matter. After this first meeting, more brethren were invited. After several meetings, progress was made and the Lodge which was originally to be named Ijebu Lodge was changed to Yemoji Lodge at the time of petitioning.

During the first decade following its formation and consecration, the Lodge was very popular and promising. Many Masons were attracted and membership improved by the influx of joining members who were mostly Masonic acquaintances of some of the founders and whose home towns are in the area. Regular meetings were always fully attended by Masons from far and near.

It was a notable and welcoming event in the Lodge when two Royal fathers, namely H.R.H. Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Oni of Ile-Ife, P.D.S.G.W.; a Scottish Constitution Past Master and H.R.H. Oba J.O. Ogunfowora, the Alaperu of Iperu, P.D.S.G.W.; a Past Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 2668 were proposed in the open Lodge as Honorary members of the Lodge by Prince A.O. Adedoyin, a founder member of the Lodge and seconded by another founder, H.R.H. Oba Odebunmi. This proposal was unanimously supported by all the brethren present at the meeting. This singular gesture improved the recognition of the Lodge in the area and more and more Masons became joining members.