Alake Advocates Unity, Moral Rebirth

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has appealed to leaders across all strata in the country to accord necessary priorities to policies that uplift communities, as well as secure the future of the youths in Nigeria.

This was in line with the Ogun monarch’s advocacy for renewed unity, moral uprightness, and sustained development across Egbaland, aimed at fostering the desired socio-economic well-being of the country.

These were part of the goodwill messages delivered by Oba Gbadebo while speaking during a reception organised in his honour by the Egba General Title Chiefs late last Sunday, as part of the activities marking his 20th coronation anniversary in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Oba Gbadebo, who expressed gratitude to God and the people of Egbaland for their support throughout his two decades on the throne, described his reign as “20 years of grace, peace and steady progress”, noting that his accomplishments during these years while on the throne were those of collective dedication and cooperation among sons and daughters of Egbaland.

“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude. Egbaland has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the last twenty years, not because of my personal strength. Still, because our people chose unity over division, progress over rancour, and service over self-interest,” Alake said.

He emphasised the need for intensified support for education, youth development and economic empowerment.

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.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Egba General Title Chiefs Council and Ba’agbimo 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 well-being 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.