The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR (Okukenu IV), has called for renewed unity, moral uprightness, and sustained development across Egbaland as Egba general title Chiefs host him on Saturday to mark his 20th Coronation Anniversary in Abeokuta
Speaking during a reception organized in his honour by Egba General Title Chiefs, the Alake expressed gratitude to God and the people of Egbaland for their support throughout his two decades on the throne.
Oba Gbadebo described his reign as “20 years of grace, peace, and steady progress,” noting that the accomplishments recorded in Egbaland were the result of collective dedication and cooperation among Egba sons and daughters.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude. Egbaland has witnessed remarkable transformation in the last twenty years, not because of my personal strength, but because our people chose unity over division, progress over rancour, and service over self-interest,” Alake said.
He emphasized the need for intensified support for education, youth development, and economic empowerment, urging leaders at all levels to prioritise policies that uplift communities and secure the future of young people.
The monarch also appealed for the preservation of Egba cultural heritage, warning against the erosion of values and traditions that form the foundation of the society.
“We must teach our children who they are. Our culture is our identity. Once we lose it, we lose ourselves,” he said.
Oba Gbadebo further called for peaceful coexistence among ethnic and religious groups, noting that development can only thrive where harmony prevails.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Egba General Title Chiefs Council and Baagbimo of Egbaland, Chief Israel Akanni Akinwale, described Oba Gbadebo’s two-decade reign as a period of significant transformation, unity and development for Egbaland.
Chief Akinwale, said the monarch’s leadership had been defined by fairness, wisdom and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of his people.
“There is no doubt that Kabiyesi’s reign has impacted Egbaland positively. His legacy will remain evergreen in our minds as someone whose leadership was guided by fairness and wisdom,” he said.
He noted that the council had witnessed “tremendous development” under the monarch, describing his reign as a beacon of stability and selfless service.
Highlighting the council’s contributions to the palace, Chief Akinwale recalled the construction of a modern hall within the Ake Palace—a project he conceived which was later embraced wholeheartedly by members of the council.
“The edifice stands today as a beautiful spectacle. Kabiyesi, we shall do more,” he assured.
He also commended the Ogun State Government for its support toward the early completion of the project.
The Baagbimo attributed the successes recorded in organising the reception to the steady support of the Alake, despite what he described as “unexpected antagonism” during the planning stages.
He disclosed that the reception is the first in a three-part series of activities being organised by the Egba General Title Chiefs to celebrate the monarch’s 20th anniversary, with other events scheduled to hold after the ongoing one-week programme.
Chief Akinwale prayed for continued divine protection and longevity for the Alake, noting that the monarch’s devotion to Christian worship at the palace chapel had been exemplary.
Prominent Egba Chiefs present at the event praised the Alake for his visionary leadership, describing his twenty-year reign as one marked by modernization, infrastructural growth, socio-cultural revival, and strengthened unity within Egbaland.
