Osoba Paved Way for My Emergence to Become Traditional Ruler of Egbaland, Says Oba Gbadebo
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has disclosed that the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, was the brain behind his (Gbadebo) choice in becoming the traditional ruler of the ancient town.
Gbadebo disclosed this at the weekend while speaking at the Adire Hall, located in Ake palace, venue of the special award and luncheon which was part of activities to mark the annual Lisabi Festival.
The monarch going memory lane and in appreciation of Osoba’s role towards his emergence, recalled that it was the former governor who was the first person to put a telephone call across to inform him (Gbadebo) to start preparing for the royal stand after the passage of Oba Oyebade Lipede.
Gbadebo said following the involvement of Osoba, and for his (Osoba) genuine zeal and love towards him, he was spurred and hence, decided to show interest and commitment in attaining the royal seat of his forefathers.
“I want to appreciate the role of Akinrogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who was the first person to call me to prepare for the throne after the passage of Oba Oyebade Lipede. He called to congratulate me and tell me to start preparing for the stool. I now said am ready to take the heritage of my forefathers”, he explained.
The monarch added that he is pleased that unity and cooperation are much among the traditional rulers in Egbaland and beyond, and specifically appreciated Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola for equally injecting love among the traditional rulers through his conduct.
The first-class traditional ruler on the awards bestowed on some Egba indigenes stated that the award was necessary to show appreciation to the awardees given their contributions to the growth of Egbaland, assuring that it is going to be a continuous exercise.
The soldier-turned-royal father pointed out that in the history of Egbaland, he was the first traditional ruler to maintain one wife, and recalled that even his late father who was a traditional ruler in the ancient town paraded ten wives.
The monarch appreciated his wife for tolerating him even after over five decades of marriage, pointing out that this is even despite his profession as a soldier, businessman, and traditional ruler, stressing that he would continue to ensure that peace does not lack in his domain.