Egbaland has recorded tremendous growth under my reign — Oba Gbadebo

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, on Monday, disclosed that the Egba nation under his watch in the last 20 years has continued to witness remarkable successes.

Oba Gbadebo, in his remarks during a press conference heralding his 20th Coronation Anniversary, held at the Throne Room of Ake Palace, Abeokuta, said the peace and oneness among the people of Egbaland had contributed immensely to its growth.

The revered monarch enthusiastically highlighted the establishment of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Abeokuta as one of the greatest achievements that happened during his reign.

He acknowledged that Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, is the first state capital in the federation that has two federal universities, and that this development happened during his reign.

Oba Adedotun also noted that many multinational industries are springing up across Egbaland, which he said had contributed to the physical and economic growth of the Egba nation.

The monarch said, “The only secret behind the many successes recorded during my reign is God. He has been my helper in the past years. 20 years ago, Egbaland was not united as it is today. We now enjoyed good brotherliness and neighborliness amongst ourselves.

“Egbaland under my watch has witnessed increase in number of traditional rulers across villages in Egbaland to bring development closer to the people. Many of our villages are witnessing infrastructural development,” he added.

Oba Gbadebo revealed that work has started on the construction of the new Abeokuta City Hall, saying that the ancient Centenary Hall is about 95 years old.

“We are planning to have a new city hall with 1000 capacity. It already have an ICT center and library constructed on the large expanse of land already allocated for the project. This is one of the projects that would further boost the socioeconomic of Egbaland,” the monarch said.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the 20th anniversary, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, revealed various activities lined up for the week-long celebration.

He said that the programme would run from 14th November through 19th November with a special thanksgiving service at Abeokuta Central Mosque, Kobiti. Awards of bursary and scholarship by AG Leventis Foundation, Egba Indigenes Global Association, and Sina Luwoye Foundation.

Kufile said now fewer than 200 students would benefit from the scholarship and bursary.

The High Chief said the anniversary would witness the conferment of Chieftaincy titles on some Egba sons and daughters for their contributions to Egba’s growth.

The Chairman also explained that about 1000 people would benefit from medical outreach, including a special coronation anniversary thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, among others.

He said, “Egbaland has witnessed remarkable peace, unity, and development. His reign has fostered a renewed spirit of brotherhood among the Egba people and strengthened the bond between our traditional institutions and government.

“The last twenty years have seen steady progress in infrastructural renewal, social advancement, and cultural renaissance, a true testament to the Alake’s wisdom, dignity, and committment to the welfare of his people.”

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