Historical Background and Formation
Following the formation of the Grand Lodge of Nigeria, and after its formal Erection and Consecration, the Grand Lodge installed its first Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi). With this foundation securely laid, the Grand Lodge embarked on the next significant phase of its development—the erection and consecration of six Provincial Grand Lodges across the country, each with its own Provincial Grand Master and pioneer officers.
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western was ceremoniously erected and consecrated during a grand joint session involving both the Lagos and Western Provinces. The event, presided over by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his pioneer officers, took place on Saturday, 2nd March 2013, at the Mainland Hotel, Ebute Metta, Lagos. The ceremony was well attended, dignified, and marked a major milestone in the strengthening of Freemasonry in South-Western Nigeria.
During this historic joint ceremony, two distinguished brethren were installed and invested as Provincial Grand Masters:
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Rt. Wor. Bro. Jonathan Boytie Ogufere – Provincial Grand Master, Lagos Province
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Rt. Wor. Bro. Prince Gbogboade Akitoye – Provincial Grand Master, Western Province
They became the third and fourth Provincial Grand Masters respectively under the Grand Lodge of Nigeria.
Pioneer Leadership of the Province
At its inception, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria Western was endowed with a team of dedicated and accomplished Brethren who were installed and invested as Pioneer Provincial Officers. Their commitment, leadership, and service laid the foundation upon which the Province continues to grow.
Pioneer Provincial Grand Lodge Officers
| Office | Pioneer Officer |
|---|---|
| Provincial Grand Master | Rt. Wor. Bro. Prince Gbogboade Akitoye |
| Deputy Provincial Grand Master | Rt. Wor. Bro. Bayo Fadairo |
| Assistant Provincial Grand Master I | Rt. Wor. Bro. Chief Chukka Ifejika |
| Assistant Provincial Grand Master II | Rt. Wor. Bro. Igwe Dike |
| Provincial Grand Senior Warden | Bro. Abayomi Adenuga |
| Provincial Grand Junior Warden | Bro. Ganiyu Adesanya |
| Provincial Grand Secretary | Bro. Peter Wright |
| Provincial Grand Treasurer | Bro. Prosper Edivri |
| Provincial Grand Director of Ceremony | Bro. Emmanuel Kioja Mayor |
| Provincial Grand Almoner | Bro. Otunba Michael Arobieke |
| Provincial Grand Chaplain I | Bro. Mike Allison Ikuagwu |
| Provincial Grand Senior Deacon | Bro. Simon Emeremgini |
| Provincial Grand Junior Deacon | Bro. Mike Udah |
| Provincial Grand Organist | Bro. Gbenga Kayode Smith |
| Provincial Grand Architect | Bro. Christian Eze |
| Provincial Grand Sword Bearer | Bro. Tude Ogunshowobo |
| Provincial Grand Standard Bearer | Bro. Kennedy Erhazele |
| Provincial Grand Inner Guard | Bro. Kodilinye Obiagwu |
| Provincial Grand President, Board of Stewards | Bro. Victor U. Igbaraese |
Legacy and Continuing Growth
The establishment of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria Western marked the beginning of a new era of unity, leadership, and Masonic development across the Province. Since its consecration, the Province has continued to promote the enduring values of Freemasonry—Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service—through its lodges, officers, and charitable engagements.
Guided by the vision of its pioneer officers and successive Provincial Grand Masters, the Province remains committed to fostering brotherhood, moral development, and service to humanity throughout Western Nigeria.
