Meet Chief Eniola Abiodun Bank-Olemoh of Ekô

Chief Eniola Abiodun Bank-Olemoh of Ekô: The Akogun of Elegance and Enterprise

Born on December 30th, 1911, Chief Eniola Abiodun Bank-Olemoh emerged from the rich cultural soil of Lagos, where tradition and modernity often danced in the streets. He was the eldest son of Pa Akiemi Olemoh and Ma Solabomi Cadmus-Olemoh, Lagos socialites with refined taste—his mother was famed for designing luxury umbrellas cherished by the royal families of Ekô. From such lineage came a man destined to make history not just with his name, but with his bold ideas and graceful stride into leadership.

Educated at King’s College, Lagos, Bank-Olemoh carried himself with a quiet authority that would later earn him the revered chieftaincy title “Akogun of Ede.” Yet, his heart beat loudest for his city, where he broke barriers and made Lagosians believe in the beauty of their own enterprise. A true pioneer, on the 30th of September, 1950, he opened Lagos’ first indigenous restaurant and dancing garden—a glittering jewel in the city’s social crown. The air was electric with excitement, as Lagos witnessed a grand opening unlike any before. Present at this momentous event were illustrious names: Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Bode Thomas, and his cousin, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony. The legendary Bobby Benson provided the rhythm, the saxophone swirling through the garden like the call of a new era.

Chief Bank-Olemoh’s vision wasn’t just about fine dining and music—it was about cultural pride, economic independence, and giving Lagos a space where her people could dine, dance, and dream. In 1956, he carved another milestone into the granite of Lagos history by becoming the first elected city councillor, standing as a beacon for representation and civic integrity. His impact was more than social—it was spiritual, deeply rooted in service, elegance, and a fierce loyalty to the city that raised him.

On April 30th, 1998, the sun set on the life of Chief E.A. Bank-Olemoh. He passed peacefully at his home at 39 Bode, leaving behind a legacy that still whispers through the streets of Lagos. He was not just a man of titles, but a cultivator of beauty, brotherhood, and bold beginnings.

“To dance with one’s people is to remind them they belong. To serve them is to show them they matter.”
— In memory of the Akogun of Ekô.