The ancient city of Abeokuta blossomed with colours of royalty, gratitude and divine reverence as Egbaland gathered in unity to celebrate the 20th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland.
The epoch-making celebration commenced on Friday with a spiritually uplifting special Juma’at service at Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, drawing together revered traditional rulers, eminent leaders of thought, and global personalities whose presence illuminated the significance of the day.
Among the first to honour the Alake was erstwhile Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, whose presence as a prominent son of Egbaland added prestige and spiritual weight to the celebration.
Isola, who is also the Baba Adinni of Ogun State, is a symbol of humility, service, Islamic leadership, and unbroken loyalty to Egba heritage. He joined the Baba Adinni of Egbaland, Navy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji (rtd.) and received the noble entourage of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN). The Sultan graced the event with members of the Sokoto Sultanate Council and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
In his heartfelt goodwill message, the Sultan described the event as a duty of honour and brotherhood — a testament to his longstanding relationship with Oba Gbadebo, a colleague from both the military and the NTRCN.
With warmth and sincerity, he said: ‘We pray to Almighty Allah to continue to have leaders like him and strengthen him. We wish him 20 more years, 20 more years and 20 more years’.
The hall erupted in applause as he added: ‘Almighty gives what He wants and takes when He wishes. Say Amen when I pray for many more 20 years for him’.
He further encouraged leaders to uphold consultation, humility and service — virtues that Isola represents with impeccable consistency.
Responding with joy, the Alake paid glowing tribute to the Sultan, whom he described as ‘son of a Sultan, brother of a Sultan, grandson of a Sultan, descending from the noble lineage of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio’.
He expressed profound appreciation for the Sultan’s presence and offered powerful prayers for Nigeria:
‘Nigeria will never break. We will continue to treat ourselves as brothers and sisters. There will be no religious war in Nigeria. Forward ever, backward never’, Oba Gbadebo further said.
In a deeply moving vote of thanks, Isola reflected on his role 20 years ago as Chairman of the Planning Committee for the coronation of the Alake. He emotionally noted that, witnessing the Alake reach 20 years on the throne — strong, beloved and impactful — was a divine blessing and a fulfilment of destiny.
Isola recalled the first visit of the His Eminence Abubakar to Egba Central Mosque in the year 2006 after his installation as the Sultan of Sokoto. He also appreciated the Sultan for seeing Abeokuta as a home having served in Abeokuta during his military service to the nation.
He saluted the Alake for his exemplary traditional leadership and applauded the Sultan for his national contributions to peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence. With characteristic grace, he thanked all dignitaries and prayed for safe return to their destinations.
Oba Gbadebo’s 20th coronation anniversary stands as a celebration of royal stability, a testimony of Egba unity, a reflection of inter-faith harmony, and a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s brotherhood.
And through it all, Isola stood as a bridge of honour, a pillar of continuity, and a custodian of the Egba legacy — his presence dignifying the event, his words strengthening the bond of unity, and his family’s recognition bringing pride to countless admirers across Egbaland and beyond.
