Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland has recalled with nostalgic elan, the salient role that former Governor of Ogun State and living Nigerian Journalism legend, Chief Olusegun Osoba, played in his emergence as foremost traditional ruler of historic Egba town.
Oba Gbadebo made this monarchical revelation while speaking on Friday at the special award and luncheon ceremony that held at the Adire Hall within the precinct of Ake Palace.
Theliberationnews reliably reports that the event was part of the array of activities lined up to celebrate the annual Lisabi Day Festival.
The revered monarch showed gratitude to the erstwhile governor whom he publicly acknowledged was the first person to put a telephone call across to him after the demise of Oba Oyebade Lipede, and immediately advised him to start preparing for the royal stool of his forefathers.
Kabiyesi Gbadebo added that Osoba’s genuine zeal, critical moves and unalloyed love towards him spurred his personal resolve and committed interest that culminated into his clinching the royal seat of his forefathers.
In the full glare of everyone present, Oba Gbadebo, without apologies, declared: “I want to appreciate the role of Akinrogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who was the first person to call me to get prepared for the throne after the passage of Oba Oyebade Lipede. He called to congratulate me and to tell me to start preparing for the stool. I now said am ready to take heritage of my forefathers,” he explained.
Speaking further, the Alake expressed his delight in the admirable unity and cooperation among traditional rulers in Egbaland and beyond, and specifically appreciated the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola for his unflinching promotion of love among traditional rulers through his dignifying royal networking and humane conduct.
The first-class traditional ruler of Egbaland while also speaking on the awards bestowed on some Egba indigenes, stated that the awards were necessary to show appreciation to the awardees in view of their individual contributions to the growth of Egbaland, assuring that the exercise is going to be a continuous one.
Alake gleefully pointed out further that in the history of Egbaland, he remains the first traditional ruler, so far, to have just one wife, recalling that even his late father who was a famous traditional ruler in the ancient town maintained a harem of ten wives.
The monarch, expectedly appreciated his wife, Olori Gbadebo, for tolerating him in over five decades of marriage despite his hectic busy schedule as a soldier, businessman and traditional ruler. He equally stressed his commitment to ensuring that peace does not elude his domain.
On his part, Chief Rasheed Raji, the Chairman Planning Committee of the Lisabi Day Festival explained that the annual celebration is organized to bring together all Egba sons and daughters from home and abroad with the aim of promoting the ancient city’s robust and rich cultures and traditions .
“This yearly event is done to celebrate and bring to memory, legacies that our forefathers bequeathed on us. We don’t want their efforts to be in vain. The essence of this gathering is to equally recognize individuals, groups/societies/organizations’ contributions to the growth and development of Egbaland and Nigeria by extension,” he emphasised.
“To achieve the above aims and objectives among others, a high-powered committee with reputable and internationally experienced personalities was constituted. They toiled day and night. They sacrificed their time and energy to midwife this epoch-making programme,” he added.
Raji who was a two-time Nigerian Military Governor appealed for support and sponsorship for subsequent editions, assuring that such supports will be judiciously deployed.
Awardees at the historic event include: Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Olatunde Abudu, Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, Hon Olawale Edun, Hon Bosun Tijani, Most Rev Jasper Peter Akinola, Princess Mojibade Omotade, Fola Adeola,Tayo Aderinokun(posthumous), late Agura of Gbagura, Oba Sabir Bakre and Prince Adeyanju Lipede
