Egba People Celebrate As Oba Adedotun Gbadebo Marks His 80th Birthday....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On September 14, 2023, the Egba community, encompassing the entire Ogun Central Senatorial District, comprising six local government areas (Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ifo, Odeda, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode), along with Egba brethren, sisters, and well-wishers across Nigeria and the diaspora, are coming together in festive spirit.

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This grand celebration is in honor of a man who embodies the unity, sophistication, education, industry, brilliance, uniqueness, pioneering spirit, and leadership of their federation. It’s a tribute to the numerous achievements of this distinguished individual on both national and global scales.

Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, popularly known as Okukenu IV, is celebrating his 80th birthday today, and the Egbas take immense pride and satisfaction in their revered monarch.

The Egbas, known for their strong work ethic, dedication to education, extensive travels, remarkable achievements, and vibrant celebrations, are set to display their penchant for festivities. The celebration will feature lively drumming, resounding gongs, melodious flutes, captivating musical performances, and exquisite culinary delights. Attendees will also don some of the most fashionable attire to pay tribute to their beloved monarch.

One of Oba Gbadebo’s most significant accomplishments during his reign, which began on August 2, 2005, when he ascended to the throne as the 10th Alake of Egbaland, is his ability to foster unity, peace, tranquility, and community development among his people. Under his leadership, the region has witnessed substantial physical infrastructure and economic development in both Abeokuta and the surrounding communities within the six local government areas predominantly inhabited by the Egbas.

To truly appreciate why the Egbas are celebrating this monarch’s octogenarian milestone, it’s crucial to understand their intricate yet highly sophisticated traditional system of governance. This system, which has demonstrated its effectiveness, serves as a model for potential emulation and development, particularly in the context of restructuring the current federal system in Nigeria.

The Egbas have a unique tradition where four traditional rulers coexist and jointly govern in one prominent town, namely Abeokuta township. These rulers include the Alake of Egbaland (paramount ruler of the Egbas), the Osile of Oke Ona Egba (ruler of Oke Ona Egba), the Agura of Gbagura Egba, and the Olowu of Owu Egba. Notably, the subjects of all these traditional rulers are Abeokuta natives.

Furthermore, every Egba individual rightfully belongs to two local government areas. While their homestead is in Abeokuta town, which has been constitutionally divided into Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North LGAs, every true Egba person must also have roots in a community or village within one of the four other local government areas in Ogun Central Senatorial District: Ifo, Obafemi Owode, Odeda, and Ewekoro. These communities were originally farmlands where their ancestors established their farms.

This unique arrangement clarifies why former President Olusegun Obasanjo is often associated with Owu, Abeokuta, and Ibogun simultaneously. Some even include Ota, where General Obasanjo’s Obasanjo Farms is headquartered, as part of his affiliations. It’s essential to note that Obasanjo Farms also operates in various regions across Nigeria, such as Lanlate in Oyo State, Mambila in Taraba State, and Owiwi in Ifo LGA, among others.

In Abeokuta, where Alake, Oke Ona, Gbagura, and Owu rulers coexist, all Egbas maintain respect for each traditional ruler. This federal system has proven successful, and the traditional Egba chieftaincy titles are shared among indigenes from different quarters. In the past, differences in personalities and idiosyncrasies sometimes led to disagreements among the monarchs. However, this era of discord has faded away since the current Alake assumed leadership, with the cooperation and support of his fellow monarchs.

Today, all Egba traditional rulers function as a united team, characterized by cooperation, shared objectives, and harmonious relationships among their monarchs. Under Oba Gbadebo’s leadership, the unhealthy rivalries and disputes have ceased to exist. These monarchs now attend each other’s personal or community events, reflecting the newfound unity.

This unity has also extended to prominent Egba individuals, who now work collaboratively and rally around their monarchs, erasing distinctions in terms of origin. The peace and harmony in Egbaland is a testament to Oba Adedotun Gbadebo’s character and leadership.

As someone who has served on the State Executive Council for four years, I had the privilege of closely observing and interacting with Kabiyesi. He epitomizes the qualities of a true gentleman, often described as an “Officer and gentleman,” owing to his decorated military background as a retired Colonel. He joined the military after obtaining a degree from the University of Ibadan’s Faculty of Arts.

During his military career, Oba Gbadebo held a high-ranking position as the Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon. His colleagues admired him for his work ethic, organization, focus, and discipline, all of which contributed to his role in the military administration led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari.

Oba Gbadebo is known for his gentle demeanor, eloquent speech, and impressive articulation. He carries himself with the grace of someone who has seen the world and experienced life’s many facets. He is also an avid golfer, often recalling rounds played with his late friend and fellow monarch, the Agura of Gbagura Egba, Oba Saburi Babajide Bakre. These golfing outings were a cherished part of their friendship, and Oba Bakre had even extended an invitation to me to join them on the Abeokuta Golf Course, as he was eager to introduce me to the sport.

Oba Gbadebo is approachable and friendly to everyone. I particularly enjoyed the friendly banter between him and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whenever they met at events in the Governor’s Office during my tenure as Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State. Their exchanges were marked by hearty laughter as they exchanged playful remarks.

The Egba monarch is known for his measured, persuasive speech when discussing development projects, industrial ventures, or business ideas that can generate employment opportunities, advance the modernization of Egbaland, and draw international attention to Abeokuta and its burgeoning communities.

There is a belief that Oba Gbadebo has a significant role to play in Egbaland’s rapid physical and economic development during his reign. It is no surprise that his name, ‘Adedotun,’ which means ‘crown is renewed,’ has brought renewal, modernization, and enhanced prominence to the Egbas on the national stage.

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Under his leadership, Egbaland has seen an Egbaman rise to the position of

President of Nigeria (former President Olusegun Obasanjo), a Speaker of the House of Representatives (Dimeji Bankole, also an alumnus of Baptist Boys High School, BBHS), and the posthumous recognition of late M.K.O. Abiola as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Additionally, Ogun State, of which Egbaland is a significant part, has had two Egbaman governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Oba Gbadebo hails from the Laarun Ruling House. His great-grandfather, Oba Okukenu, was the first Alake of Egbaland. His grandfather, Oba Gbadebo, served as the sixth Alake from 1898 to 1920, while his uncle, Oba Samuel Adesina Gbadebo, was Okukenu III. Oba Gbadebo himself holds the title of Okukenu IV. The Laarun ruling house traces its lineage to an Alake who reigned in the 1700s before the Egbas’ migration to their present home in Abeokuta.

Oba Gbadebo serves as the Chairman of the Board of Oando PLC and holds the position of Chancellor at the Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. His status as a royal figure who is approachable and supportive of development initiatives has earned him the respect and admiration of all Egbas and people from Ogun State and across Nigeria who come forward with ideas for the country’s progress.

Oba Gbadebo is a true embodiment of an apolitical royal figure, and his considered contributions to national matters are highly regarded by all. Even at 80, he appears youthful, vigorous, and ready for a game of golf at any time. He is a source of celebration for the Egbas and their well-wishers across Ogun State, Nigeria, and the world.

Numerous activities have been planned to celebrate the monarch, including special prayers in mosques and churches, particularly at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter’s in Ake, Abeokuta. This church holds the distinction of being the first church in Nigeria and houses the initial copy of the Holy Bible ever brought into the country.

This colorful festival, organized to honor a monarch who has earned the admiration of his subjects and friends, celebrates the 80th birthday of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo. His wisdom and leadership have brought about peace, progress, and unity in Egbaland, and today is a day of joyous celebration.

Happy 80th birthday, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, omo Ara Ake Majo. Majomeji. Omo Eruninsinni. Ekokinsineniyan. Oju a ma ri Odun. Ajinde ara ma je o.