Abiodun, Amosun, Others Grace Alake’s 15thcoronation Anniversary

SATURDAY, November 21 was not any regular owambe day for eminent Nigerians that stormed the celebration of the 15th year on the throne and landmark achievement of Egba’s foremost monarch, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland.

The day, which marked the grand finale of the gold and purple anniversary party affair, had all manner of dignitaries storming the Ake Palace venue to celebrate with the highly revered king.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, ministers, royal fathers and powerful delegation from the Presidency were among the notable celebrities that honoured the epoch- making event.

The weeklong event kicked off on Tuesday, November 17, with various philanthropic exercises, including the provision of hand washing facilities at selected public schools in Abeokuta, the state capital, led by the Chairman of the anniversary committee, Chief Sikirullah Atobatele.

The Oba Gbadebo Health Initiative came alive on Wednesday with a roundtable dialogue on ‘ Strengthening Egbaland’s Community Healthcare System,’ held at Centenary Hall in Ake, Abeokuta. The programme continued on Thursday with a church thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Peter, followed by a luncheon at the palace.

Sporting activities, such as football matches and table tennis competitions, were part of the programme, which also included a special Jumat Service at Ake Central Mosque on Friday, before the Saturday party, where illustrious sons and daughters of Egbaland and others were conferred with several chieftaincy titles as part of outlined programmes marking the anniversary.

The crowd burst into thunderous applause with the arrival of Oba Alake, accompanied by several Obas from various communities under his rule. The majestic step dance of all royal fathers towards the stage literarily made the ecstatic crowd to fall on themselves in a moment of joy.

With peace, unity and development, Oba Gbadebo has redefined culture and tradition in Egbaland for better, as his ascension to the throne 15 years ago has brought tremendous changes to the land.

The Oba has since then risen to become one of the most respected monarchs in Yoruba land.