Succession History of the Provincial Grand Masters

 

Following the formation, erection, and consecration of the Grand Lodge of Nigeria (GLN) on 3rd November 2012, and the installation of the Charter Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi), the Grand Lodge began the formal establishment of its Provincial Grand Lodges.

Among the first six provinces erected was the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western, whose inauguration was conducted in a joint and historic ceremony on 2nd March 2013 at the Mainland Hotel, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
The ceremony was presided over by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and his pioneer Grand Officers.

During the event—where the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria (Lagos) preceded the Western Province—Rt. Wor. Bro. Prince Gbogboade Akitoye was installed as the First Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western.

The succession history of this Provincial Grand Lodge reflects the dedication, sacrifices, and progressive leadership of distinguished brethren who have shaped the Craft in the Western Region of Nigeria.

Rt. Worshipful Brother Prince Gbogboade Akitoye

First Provincial Grand Master
Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western

Rt. Wor. Bro. Bar. Prince Gbogboade Akitoye is a respected figure in Nigerian Freemasonry, known for his exceptional dedication to Masonic principles and administrative excellence.

Early Masonic Journey

  • Initiated: Sanctity Lodge No. 828 (Irish Constitution) – 1993

  • Held offices: Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Assistant Secretary

In 1994, he affiliated with Unity Lodge No. 838 (IC), Ibadan, where he rose through the offices of Junior Warden and Senior Warden.

Service as Worshipful Master

  • Installed Master – 1998

  • Served again as Master – 1999

Founding Member

  • Founder, Ososi-Iwoye Lodge No. 922 (IC)

  • Worshipful Master 2000–2002

Recognitions & Honours

  • 2000 – Provincial Assistant Grand Organist (IC)

  • 2002 – Past Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ireland

  • Most Wise Sovereign, Light of Nigeria Sovereign Chapter (EC), enthroned in 2008

  • Elevated to the 30°

Role in the Grand Lodge of Nigeria

Upon the consecration of the GLN on 3rd November 2012, he was appointed:

  • Pioneer Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western

  • Honorary Assistant Grand Master, GLN

His leadership laid the institutional foundation for the new Province and helped stabilize Masonic structures in the Western region.

Rt. Worshipful Brother Adebayo Taiwo Fadairo

Second Provincial Grand Master
Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western

Rt Wor. Bro. Adebayo Taiwo Fadairo Initiated into Lodge Trinity No17 on 22nd June 1985, Passed 16th November 1985, Raised 14th February 1986 and Master thereof June 1994/95. Having served in various offices.

He served as Secretary of the Lodge Trinity from 1997 to 2021;

Appointed DGLN Senior Deacon 1998;

Appointed Assistant District Grand Secretary DGLN (SC) 2000 

District Grand Secretary DGLN (SC) 2004-2008; 

SDGM (LIMA) 2008-2009;

SDGM (HQ/LIMA) 2009-2010;
 
Hon Asst. Grand Secretary GL (SC);

Hon Grand Senior Deacon GL (SC),

Editor Digscot Magazine 2004-2011;

Member Constitution drafting GLN in-formation;

Member Implementation Committee of GLN;

Active in various committees during the formation of the GLN:
    *Ceremonial and Venue Committee,
    *Committee designing the Grand
      Lodge / PGLN logos,
    *Regalia designing Committee.

Chairman Communication and Publication Committee GLN (Editor in Chief - Freemasonry in Nigeria Magazine);

Member Temple and Building Committee GLN;

Past member Petition, Compliant and Appeals Committee GLN;

Charter Master - Lodge Adimula No 61 GLN (Ilesha, Osun State);

Affiliate of Unity Lodge No. 12 GLN (Ibadan);

Affiliate of Lodge Faith No 3 GLN (Lagos);

Member Mount Olive Sovereign Chapter No 221; 

DProvGM PGLN (Western) 2013 to 2018;

ProvGM PGLN (Western) 2018 to 2023;

Hon Asst Grand Master 2019.

 

 Right Worshipful Brother Otunba Michael O. Arobieke

Third Provincial Grand Master
Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western


Provincial Grand Master 

Rt. Wor. Bro. Otunba Michael Arobieke is widely recognized for his energetic, visionary, and transformative leadership both within and outside the Craft.

Initiation and Early Masonic Journey

  • Initiated: 15th August 1987 – Lodge Remo No. 1682 (SC), Sagamu

  • Passed: 14th November 1987

  • Raised: 27th February 1988

  • Installed Master: March 2005

Royal Arch Masonry

  • Joined Remo Royal Arch Chapter, Sagamu – 1991

  • Active contributor to the advancement of the Holy Royal Arch in Nigeria

International Masonic Experience

During his time abroad:

  • Joined Doneraile Lodge, England – 1998

  • Served as Worshipful Master – 2005

Affiliations under GLN

  • Affiliate, Lodge Lagos Island

  • Affiliate, Ososi-Iwoye Lodge No. 56 GLN (Master & Secretary)

  • Honorary Member, Prudence Lodge No. 25 GLN

  • Founder, Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London & Metropolitan Grand R.A. Chapter

Positions & Honours

Otunba Arobieke holds one of the most comprehensive sets of Masonic honours in Nigerian Freemasonry, including:

Scottish Constitution

  • Past District Grand Almoner

  • Hon. District Grand Senior Warden

  • Past Substitute District Grand Master (SC Nigeria)

  • Hon. Assistant Grand Secretary (SC)

  • Hon. Grand Senior Deacon (SC)

  • Hon. Grand Architect (SC)

  • Hon. Inner Guard (SC)

Grand Lodge of Nigeria

  • Past Grand Steward

  • Past Grand Inner Guard

  • Past Grand Curator

  • Past Assistant Grand Chaplain

  • Past President, Board of Stewards

  • Member, Constitution Drafting Committee

  • Member, Implementation Committee

  • Member, Ceremonial & Venue Committee

  • Member, Regalia & Logo Design Committee

  • Chairman, Communication & Publication Committee (Editor-in-Chief, Freemasonry in Nigeria Magazine)

Leadership Roles in GLN–Western

  • Deputy Provincial Grand Master – 2013–2018

  • Provincial Grand Master – 2018–2023

  • Honorary Assistant Grand Master GLN – 2019

His tenure is remembered for modernizing communications, strengthening Lodge administration, and promoting harmony across the Province.

Conclusion

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Nigeria – Western has been blessed with a succession of visionary leaders who have upheld the values of the Craft, strengthened institutional structures, and expanded the influence of Freemasonry in the Western region.

From Rt. Wor. Bro. Prince Gbogboade Akitoye, who laid the foundation…
To Rt. Wor. Bro. Adebayo Fadairo, who stabilized and guided the Province…
To Rt. Wor. Bro. Otunba Michael Arobieke, whose dynamic leadership advanced the Province into a new era…

Each Provincial Grand Master has contributed to a legacy built on integrity, service, and Masonic excellence.