AFTER FIVE YEARS OF CLOSURE, FIRST BANK REOPENS IN ÒKEHÒ

A publication dated January 5, 2026, and jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọ Ìbílẹ̀ Òkehò, has announced the official reopening of First Bank Nigeria Plc, Òkehò Branch, five years after its closure, bringing renewed relief to residents and businesses across Òkehò and surrounding communities in Kajola, Itesiwaju and Iwajowa Local Government Areas.

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It was with profound joy and deep reassurance that we received the long-awaited news, announced during the Annual General Meeting of Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọ Ìbílẹ̀ Òkehò on June 3, that First Bank, Òkehò, would finally reopen. The reopening, we were told, would commence with skeletal services before a gradual return to full operations. For a people who have endured years of inconvenience, hardship, and economic dislocation, this announcement marked the end of a painful chapter and the dawn of renewed hope.

First Bank, Òkehò, was not merely a banking hall; it was the financial heartbeat of a vast region. For many years, it faithfully served towns, villages, and settlements across Kajola, Itesiwaju, and Iwajowa Local Government Areas, and even beyond.

Communities from Ìgàngàn, Tápà, and Ayétẹ̀ in Ìbàràpá consistently chose First Bank, Òkehò, over nearer alternatives, a testament to its accessibility, reliability, and centrality to regional commerce.

Then came July 29, 2020 — a dark and unforgettable day. Armed robbers launched a brutal attack, killing a police officer, vandalising the bank and the police station, and throwing the entire town into chaos. The deafening rattle of AK-47 rifles shattered the peace, as residents fled in terror, scrambling for safety. It was a moment etched permanently into our collective memory.

Picture of First Bank after it was burgled by Armed Robbers (Ichabod).

Yet, in the midst of that terror, courage rose. Our local security operatives — armed only with dane guns, resolve, and indigenous tactical knowledge — stood their ground. Four of the robbers were neutralised; two others were gravely injured. Two vehicles used by the criminals were seized. More importantly, the stolen money was recovered, and the bank officials were promptly invited to reclaim it.

Tragically, a careless utterance in Yoruba—“ẹ jẹ́ k’áwọn boys k’ówó ò” (“let the boys take the money”) — sparked an uncontrollable mob reaction. That single moment of recklessness opened the door for miscreants to re-loot the recovered funds, compounding an already devastating situation.

That, plainly and truthfully, is what happened.

The aftermath was harsh. With the closure of the bank, our people were plunged into years of avoidable suffering. Simple financial transactions now required an 18-mile journey to Ìṣẹ́yìn, the nearest banking hub. Residents from Ìjìó, Ayégun, and many other distant settlements had no choice but to endure long, costly, and exhausting trips. The hardship cut across Kajola, Itesiwaju, and Iwajowa, and extended even to Ayétẹ̀, Tápà, and Ìgbàngàn, for whom Òkehò had always been the most convenient option. Only then did we fully grasp the value of having a bank within reach.

Determined efforts to reverse this loss soon began. Foremost among these was the relentless intervention of Kabiyesi, the Ońjo of Òkehò, HRM Ọba Rafiu Oṣùọlálé Mustapha (Adéìítán II), whose commitment never wavered. Through his chiefs — Baálẹ̀ Bodè, Chief Gbẹ́nga Ìrókò, and Baọ̀gán Chief Dáramọ́lá Oláwóore — he carried the voice of Òkehò to First Bank’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

Picture of Pst. Favour Adéwọyin, Apero President at First Bank Headquarters, Marina, the day he submitted letters.

Civil society rose in unison. Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọ Ìbílẹ̀ Òkehò, under the leadership of Alhaji Azeez Lakanla, alongside the Òkehò Development Association (ODA), made persistent representations. Distinguished individuals, including Dr. Kasali Alarape Salawu (now Chairman of Ẹgbẹ́ Ọmọ Ìbílẹ̀ Òkehò), rallied other concerned indigenes to the cause.

Special mention must be made of Mr. Moyo Ajékìgbe, former Managing Director of First Bank and the man who originally facilitated the establishment of the Òkehò branch. He did not watch from the sidelines. Long before now, he laboured quietly but firmly to ensure the bank’s return.

When Àpérò Ọmọ Òkehò was inaugurated, the issue of First Bank was already burning in our hearts, though the path forward was unclear. Àpérò provided the platform. Reopening the bank was adopted as a core objective. Providentially, during a visit to Barr. John Fárìntọ́ to present a congratulatory letter to Governor Seyi Makinde on his second-term victory, the discussion naturally turned to First Bank. Barr. Farinto advised that the Governor be formally approached to direct Local Governments that once banked with First Bank, Òkehò, to return their accounts.

That conversation revealed the central obstacle: the withdrawal of key accounts had undermined the bank’s viability. Around the same period, Governor Isiaka Adélékè of Osun State had instructed First Bank to reopen branches affected by similar robberies in towns such as Ẹdẹ and Ìkìrun — a powerful precedent.

Present at that crucial meeting with Barr. Farinto were myself, Pst. Favour Adéwọyin (National President, Àpérò), Comrade Sunday Atunwa (National Secretary), Chief Mrs. Yẹ́misí Ísinmiọlá Olówóyọ, Mr. Adémọ́lá Azeez, and Mrs. Serifat Taiwò. Mr. Robert Adéníjì, then Kajola LG campaign manager for Governor Makinde, facilitated our access to Barr. Farinto. Also from Òkehò, we met Mr. John Ayọ̀dàbọ̀ at Barr. Farinto’s office and he contributed meaningfully.

Immediately, we acted and a formal letter was drafted and endorsed by our traditional rulers — the Ońjo of Òkehò, Ṣabigànná of Ìgànná, Elérò of Ìlerò, Oníròó of Òtu, Gẹ̀gùn of Ayétòrò, Bajígan of Ìlàjì, and Onísẹmi of Ìṣẹ́mi’lé. The journey to sign the letter was carried out by the President of Àpérò, Pst. Favour Adéwọyin. The journey began by 6:00 a.m and with a bold, daring and confident Ọ̀kadà man, the President traversed the erosion-ravaged Òkehò-Ìgànná axis — an experience that inspired the article “Òkehò-Ìgànná Road: A Death Trap.”

Further endorsements came from Chief Adégbìtẹ́, Alhaji Ali Dòdó Oyèdèjì, and several respected businessmen. The letter was presented to the Governor through Barr. Farinto alongside a striking portrait of the Governor designed by Djoy and cultural items symbolic of our land.

Follow-ups continued — patiently, persistently. Then divine timing intervened. Following the Local Government elections, Mr. Robert Adéníjì who was part of the struggle from the beginning, emerged as Vice Chairman of Kajola Local Government. Armed with insider knowledge of the problem, he seized the moment to secure the backing of the LG Chairmen — Barr. Akeem Olawale Mustapha (Kajola), Hon. Muritala Abiodun Oyewumi (Iwajowa), and Hon. Ojo Monsuru Olayemi (Itesiwaju) — who formally committed their support in writing and we really appreciate the gesture. These letters were delivered to First Bank headquarters at Marina by the President of Àpérò.

With that breakthrough, Mr. Moyo Ajékìgbe took full charge, pressing the matter relentlessly with First Bank’s Managing Director. Inspection followed, reports were written, renovations commenced, and today, the bank stands reopened.

Therefore, in a nutshelll, this victory is not the achievement of one man. It is the fruit of teamwork, perseverance, and shared love for Òkehò. Like the legendary heroes in D. O. Fágúnwà’s Ògbójú Ọdẹ Nínú Igbó Olódùmarè — “Kákó oníkùnmọ̀ Ẹkùn”, “Èfò-Ìyẹ́”, “Àràmándá” “Ọkùnrin”, “Elégbéje Ọdẹ”, “Ìmọ̀dòye”, Àkàrà Oọ̀gùn and Olóhùn Iyọ̀ — each contributor struck a blow; together, the wall fell. The final strike only succeeded because of all the blows before it.

Above all, we return thanks to God Almighty, who crowned our efforts with success. Except the Lord builds the house, they laboured in vain who tried to build it. Our reproach has been rolled away. To Him be glory, honour, and adoration.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Òkehò for trusting us with the privilege of service. To Prof. Ségun Gbádégesin, Mr. Julius Oláwúwo, Barr. Bolaji Olaore, the leadership of the three Local Governments, Mohammed Oladejo, other First Bank Staffs, Assalam Computer, and all unnamed contributors whose sacrifices made the reopening of the bank possible, we say thank you.

Specially to Sarafa (Ijo Compound), the motorcyclist who made that arduous tour possible, your secret service has been honoured today that the First Bank is reopened and God will reward your labour of love.

Please, any omission is purely inadvertent. May God preserve us all to witness the fulfilment of greater dreams for our beloved town. May 2026 be a year of greater opportunities for greater blessings for all of us and Òkehò — our Jerusalem. May we keep basking under the glory of the Lord as we enjoy every moment of the new year by the grace of the Almighty God.

Once again, thank you all, and God bless you real good.

In conclusion, the task before us is clear and urgent: we must consciously and collectively patronise our bank. Let every one of us maintain personal and business accounts, and deliberately mobilise our friends, well-wishers, companies, and institutions to do same. The strength, stability, and sustainability of this bank rest on our collective commitment and loyalty. As we take this decisive step, we entrust our town and our individual lives to divine protection, praying that no evil shall ever befall our community again and that no harm shall come near our homes, in Jesus’ name.

e-signed:

Comrade Sunday Atunwa,

National Secretary, Àpérò Ọmọ Òkehò.

Pst. Favour Adéwọyin,

National President, Àpérò Ọmọ Òkehò.