USCL Urhobo Social ClubLagos · Est. 1973
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About & History

Five decades of unity, culture and service. The story of the Urhobo Social Club Lagos.

1973Year Founded
50+Years of Heritage
15+Presidents Served
Overview

A Legacy of Unity, Culture & Service

For over five decades, the Urhobo Social Club, Lagos (USCL) has stood as one of the most respected Urhobo socio-cultural institutions in Nigeria's commercial capital.

USCL is a fellowship of distinguished Urhobo sons: chartered accountants, lawyers, medical doctors, hospitality leaders, public servants, academics, traditional title-holders and community advocates. They share a common commitment to the progress, dignity and unity of the Urhobo people, in Lagos and beyond.

Its story is rooted in the early 1970s. The seeds were planted at a 1971 dinner at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, held in honour of Major General David Akpode Ejoor. The conversations that followed, including a call by Senator Joseph Tarka for a structured Urhobo scholarship and development effort, led directly to the formal founding of the club in 1973.

What began as a Lagos circle of Urhobo elites has become an enduring institution that today carries forward a clear five-point agenda: the Urhobo House project, scholarships for indigent Urhobo students, economic empowerment, the promotion of Urhobo language and culture, and peace-building among the Urhobo people.

Ilorogun r'Olomu (Olomu Chiefs) seated together in traditional white regalia and red beads at a major Urhobo community gathering
Ilorogun r’Olomu: Olomu Chiefs at a major Urhobo gathering. Olomu is one of the historic kingdoms of the Urhobo nation.
Historical Background

How It All Began

As recounted by the club's Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Simeon Ohwofa.

  • In April 1971, Urhobo elites gathered at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, to honour Major General David Ejoor.
  • Senator Joseph Tarka proposed the creation of a scholarship and development structure for the Urhobo people.
  • The discussions and mobilisation efforts that followed led to the establishment of the Urhobo Social Club Lagos in 1973.

Pioneer Leadership

The club's pioneer officers were Chief Isaac Innocent Iyeyemi (Pioneer President) and Chief Oghwe William Ikpasa (Pioneer Secretary). From that foundation, USCL has carried an unbroken line of leadership and institutional memory through more than fifteen presidents.

From 1973 to Today

Each succeeding administration has shaped the club's evolving identity: cultural visibility at Urhobo gatherings, scholarship support for indigent students, member welfare, advocacy for Urhobo unity within the framework of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), and the gradual maturation of the Urhobo House project as the club's flagship legacy ambition. Today, under the leadership of Chief (Sir) Lucky Arhere, FCA, USCL continues to bring Urhobo professionals and elder-statesmen together in service of the wider Urhobo nation.

Urhobo Social Club Lagos members at the January 2026 thanksgiving in Lagos
USCL members at the January 2026 thanksgiving, Lagos.
Our Spirit

The Spirit & Character of the Club

USCL is not merely a social gathering. It is a brotherhood built around cultural pride, responsibility, service and mutual support. Its members, drawn from diverse professional, business and leadership backgrounds, pool resources, ideas and experience for the interest of the club and the wider Urhobo nation.

The club also carries a strong family culture. Members attend major events with their wives, children, guests and friends, dressed in Urhobo attire, with Urhobo music, food, dance and cultural displays forming part of every celebration. This family-centred identity has helped USCL preserve tradition while maintaining strong intergenerational bonds among Urhobos in Lagos.

“The strength of the club lies in the diversity of its members, drawn from different professional callings and business backgrounds.”
Okakuro Wilson Okpubigho
Legacy of Leadership

Past Presidents of the Club

The club has been served by more than fifteen distinguished presidents since inception. Notable past presidents include:

  1. Chief Isaac Innocent Iyeyemi
  2. Chief (Dr.) Patrick F. Jakpa
  3. Chief Daniel O. Idama
  4. Chief Patrick O. E. Okitiakpe
  5. Chief Milton P. Ohwovoriole
  6. Chief Francis Ifie
  7. Chief Johnson Modika Barovbe
  8. Chief Austin O. Odoh-Tadafe
  9. Most Snr. Evangelist Emmanuel Evue
  10. Chief Simeon Ohwofa
  11. Prince Austin Enajomo-Isire
  12. Chief Edereh Agbah
  13. Chief Jacob Diedjomahor
  14. Chief Wilson Okpubigho
  15. Chief (Sir) Lucky Arhere Current
Our Standing

Organisational Reputation

An Elite Association

One of the foremost Urhobo socio-cultural associations in Lagos and a networking platform for influential Urhobo professionals.

A Stabilising Force

A long-standing supporter of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and Urhobo unity initiatives across the nation.

Meet Today's Leadership