The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has called on leaders across all tiers of government to prioritise policies that uplift communities and safeguard the future of young Nigerians.
He emphasised the need for stronger support for education, youth development and economic empowerment as cornerstones of national progress.
The monarch, who made the appeal at a reception held in his honour by the Egba General Title Chiefs, as part of activities marking his 20th coronation anniversary, also urged citizens to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, noting that meaningful development can only take place in an atmosphere of harmony.
Expressing gratitude to God and the people of Egbaland for their loyalty over the past two decades, the Alake reaffirmed his commitment to unity, moral uprightness and sustainable development within Egbaland.
He described his reign as “20 years of grace, peace and steady progress,” attributing the achievements recorded to the collective efforts and cooperation of Egba indigenes.
“Egbaland has witnessed remarkable transformation in the last twenty years, not because of my personal strength, but because our people chose unity over division, progress over rancour, and service over self-interest,” he said.
Oba Gbadebo further stressed the need to preserve Egba cultural heritage, warning against the erosion of values that define the identity of the people.
He said, “we must teach our children who they are. Our culture is our identity. Once we lose it, we lose ourselves,” he noted.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Egba General Title Chiefs Council and Baagbimo of Egbaland, Chief Israel Akanni Akinwale, described the monarch’s reign as a period of exceptional transformation, unity and development.
He commended the Alake’s leadership style, characterised by fairness, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.
According to him, the council had experienced “tremendous development” under the monarch, including the construction of a modern hall within the Ake Palace—a project initiated by the council and completed with support from the Ogun State government.
Chief Akinwale acknowledged the Alake’s steady support during the planning of the anniversary events, despite what he referred to as “unexpected antagonism.”
He revealed that the reception was the first in a three-part series of activities lined up to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
He prayed for continued divine protection and long life for the monarch, applauding his devotion to Christian worship at the palace chapel.
Prominent Egba chiefs in attendance also lauded Oba Gbadebo for his visionary and inclusive leadership, describing his twenty-year reign as one defined by modernization, infrastructural growth, socio-cultural revival and strengthened unity across Egbaland.
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