By Dr.Gbenga Adeoye
81 may not be regarded as a Landmark Birthday, but every birthday of a unifier must be celebrated.
Oba Dr. Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Okukenu the IV …Ara Ake majo .Omo ajo gberu majo gbeko, omo eru ni sin ni eko kii nsin niyan.Igbein, omo ojoru Omo mamu mamu.
It is not because I am from Ake neither is it because I have the same Oriki with Kabiyesi, truth must be told, Alake is a UNIFIER PER EXCELLENCE.
When all Egbas in Canada and USA converged at Minesota from August 30, 2024 to Sept 1st as part of Egba delegates from Nigeria; I observed the full participation of Alake and concluded that this in deed is a Unifier King as Olowu was with him all through.
Alake and Olori encouraged those of us that attended from Nigeria to join the convention which is every two years.
Even at the Picnic Alake was there.He attended all events.
Olowu of Owu ; Prof Matemilola and Newly installed Olu of Orile Imo ; Oba Reuben Oluwambe Sogaolu whose brother is also a key exco of Egba National Association attended too.
The most interesting thing about Egbas in US and Canada is that it is also combined with Egbado, which people call Yewa now. Egba and Egbado or Egba and Yewa are one in US and Canada. No separation …In any case it uses to be One Egba Division then which includes Egba and Egbado .
Alake remains the symbol of Unity for everyone.
I recalled while Alake was talking to us at the Gala night; he said in the words of Oba Oyebade Lipede whom he quoted when he asked Baba Lipede at a time why he did not attend Egbas programmes in US. Baba Lipede replied .”America ti Jina ju”.meaning America is too far.
However,; Alake at 81 continue to attend the Egba Convention every two years, by his age now, he has a right to say O ti Jina Ju, but the golfer in him will not worry about distance as long as it has to do with Egbas.
His love for all Egbas home and abroad is the same.
He told us make sure you help one another.
Those that are not attending call them, visit them.
Too many things to say about him.
He is a Godly man.
He was with us at Baptist Church Service to Mark the event, When some younger folks claimed to be tired, Kabiyesi was at the Service with Olori.
Rev Miller delivered a powerful Sermon with his father who founded the church right there besides Alake.
A man of one wife which is a biblical qualification to be a Bishop or Overseer, lover of his children, both biological and adopted.
Always willing to associate with anything progressive.
A king without controversy.
A king that is concerned about all Egbas where ever they are.
Some will ask is everything about him positive, Yes even when we children don’t agree with his strong stand on some issues, he does not pretend. Even as little as movement in Lagos, Kabiyesi will tell you, let us go through this or that route to avoid traffic.
What else about him.hmmmm…
Alake does not like asking for favour to preserve his integrity. All his biological Children can testify to that, he prefers them to get whatever is due to them by merit rather than for him to call anyone in high places to influence things. Like his senior Teacher Dr. Soleye at BBHS ..Merit..Merit..Merit is his watch word…but then we are telling him even Jesus was an advocate of the people to deliver us from our sin and to secure redemption for us as he embarks on the journey to 82 and gradually to 90. We are hopeful that Kabiyesi will become an advocate without necessarily doing away with merit as we know his stand is merit always.
As you celebrate this 81st birthday today, on behalf of myself and the entire Adeoye Family of Erunwon, Ake Abeokuta; we say happy birthday sir.
Your reign will continue to bring good things and development to Egba people and Egbaland in Jesus name.
Kabiyesi..Kabiyesi. Igba Odun Odun kan ni.
