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Tag: Alake of Egbaland

  • Abiodun felicitates Alake of Egbaland on 20th coronation anniversary

    Abiodun felicitates Alake of Egbaland on 20th coronation anniversary

    Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, on the occasion of his 20th coronation anniversary.

    Oba Gbadebo ascended the throne on November 19, 2005.

    Abiodun described the royal milestone as a celebration of two decades of purposeful, visionary and selfless leadership that has brought remarkable progress, unity, and dignity to Egbaland and Ogun State as a whole.

    The governor noted that Oba Gbadebo has, since ascending the exalted throne, demonstrated exceptional commitment to the peace, cultural preservation, and socio-economic advancement of his people. 

    He also noted that the monarch’s wisdom, statesmanship, and unwavering support for developmental initiatives had continued to inspire both traditional and contemporary governance structures across the state.

    ‎READ ALSO; Emir of Ilorin condemns Eruku Church attack

    “I join the government and good people of Ogun State in congratulating His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Okukenu IV), the Alake of Egbaland, on the momentous occasion of his 20th anniversary on the throne.

    “Since his coronation as the 10th Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland on November 19, 2005, Kabiyesi has continued to exemplify wisdom, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and development of Egbaland and Ogun State at large. His reign has been marked by remarkable strides in cultural preservation, community advancement, and the promotion of harmony among all people.

    “Kabiyesi’s reign has been characterized by grace, compassion, and an unrelenting pursuit of the welfare of his people. His role in fostering communal harmony and supporting our government’s development agenda remains invaluable. On behalf of the government and good people of Ogun State, I congratulate our revered royal father on this remarkable anniversary,” the Governor said.

    Governor Abiodun prayed that the Almighty would continue to grant the Alake sound health, long life, and greater wisdom to continue his noble service to Egbaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria.

    He wishes His Royal Majesty a memorable and impactful 20th coronation anniversary celebration.

  • Wife beating an act of cowardice, says Alake of Egbaland

    Wife beating an act of cowardice, says Alake of Egbaland

    Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun, yesterday sought an end to violence and abuse against women and girls, especially wife battering, saying beating one’s wife is an act of cowardice.

    Gbadebo said women are special members of humanity requiring caution in relating with them in a family unit.

    He urged men to be patient with their wives and girl-child as well as cultivate healthy procedures for resolving arguments and conflicts.

    The paramount ruler gave the advice at the maiden Town Hall meeting on protection of women and girls at his palace in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    The event, an initiative of Women Radio 91.7Fm with support from Ford Foundation and Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation, was themed, ‘Strengthening family and community bonds’.

    Chairman, St Ives Communications Limited, parent company of Women Radio 91.7FM, Dr. Babatunde Okewale, lamented that in many homes and neighbourhoods, women and girls were vulnerable to abuse, neglect and violence.

    Okewale said the practice was not  what was inherited from our forefathers who protected their women and girls, advising that this is not a legacy that should be passed down to male children.

    He said: “As men, fathers, brothers, uncles, husbands and leaders, the responsibility of building strong families and safe communities rests on our shoulders. We cannot ignore the reality that in many of our homes and neighborhoods, women and girls are vulnerable to abuse, neglect and violence.

    “This is not the culture we inherited. It is not the legacy we should pass down to our sons. Our forefathers built communities on respect, discipline and protection of the family unit.

    Read Also: Alake of Egbaland seeks end to violence against women

    “Somewhere along the way, we have allowed certain harmful practices and attitudes to take root and it’s affecting homes, our marriages and the future of our children.”

    In a communique, the participants called on the security agencies, especially the police, to desist from ending domestic violence cases – involving sexual and physical abuse, in the station under the guise of “it is a family affairs’’.

    The communique also recommended that a man that couldn’t protect woman(wife) and daughters should not contemplate marriage or child -bearing, even as it called for a cultural ban on people with history women and girl-child abuse from taking chieftaincy titles.

    The communique also called for revival of core family values in homes and establishment of a forum for resolving women issues.

    4th Alleged fraud: Osupa prevents re-arrest of Portable in Ilorin

     Fuji icon, Saheed Akorede popularly known as Osupa, yesterday prevented the re-arrest of Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable after another petition surfaced against him.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fuji musician discontinued his case against Portable, following an appeal by prominent Nigerians to settle the matter out of court.

    In a new development, Managing Director of Starwood Hotels Ilorin, Mr Yemi George, told NAN that Osupa prevailed on him not to re-arrest Portable after collecting N6.3million for a show that he did not perform.

    “I have obtained every necessary document to re-arrest him today (Tuesday) to refund my money but out of respect for the legendary fuji musician (Osupa) , he prevailed on me not to.

    “My company, Starwood Hotels O2 Arena in collaboration with the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) put an event together for Portable to perform but he never did” George said.

    According to a document obtained by NAN, titled Petition for fraudulent and obtaining by false pretense the sum of N6.3m, the petitioners said they entered agreement with Portable on July 22, 2024, which he never respected.

    According to the petition, Portable was paid N6.3m to perform at the ‘Kwara Tampan Fiesta’ on Sept. 29, 2024, but failed to appear on stage at the agreed-upon time.

    Despite arriving over 16 hours late, he allegedly sneaked out of his hotel lodge without fulfilling his promise to perform.

    The petitioners claim that Portable’s actions caused significant financial loss and distress, and they are seeking a thorough investigation, prosecution, and restitution of the N6,300,000 allegedly obtained through fraudulent means.

    The petition was signed by Chief Olu Amusan, Governor, TAMPAN and Ayodele Demokun on behalf of Starwood Hotels 02 Arena

    NAN recalls that the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Kwara command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, had in a statement on Sunday confirmed the arrest of Portable following a petition received from Osupa.

    The petition borders on serious allegations which includes criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and the use of abusive and insulting words.

  • Ooni, Dangote to grace Olu of Itori 15th anniversary

    A week-long activity to celebrate the 15th coronation anniversary of flamboyant traditional king of Itori, Oba Adul-Fatai Akorede Alamo, has kicked off.

    Starting last Sunday with an evening of praise, Oba Akamo, speaking in his palace, said the event will be rounded off this Saturday with a grand party that will be graced by elite’s obas and businessmen in the country.

    Among expected dignitaries are Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alake of Egbaland and businessman Aliko Dangote among others.

    The Olu of Itori Land in Ewekoro local government of Ogun State said, during the said anniversary, the ‘Kings Hall’ built for the people of Itori and a book about his life titled “Journey through time” will be launched.

    “All I want to do is to use the opportunity of this celebration to thank the almighty God for what started 15 years ago and how far he has led me”

    Read also: Southwest won’t play second fiddle again, say Ooni, Fayemi’s aide

    As part of the events, the Oba will also be visiting an orphanage in Ogun with monetary and materials gifts.

    “We have identified people and friends of Itori land and we shall celebrate them with chieftaincy titles too.’ Among them is Mr Tunde Busari, an editor with Tribune Newspapers, Ibadan

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi has recently commended the Olu of Itori, for his total devotion to Yoruba race, especially his efforts at uniting Yoruba traditional leaders.

    Oba Akamo added that Itori Land has witnessed tremendous development since his coronation. “Today, we can boast of a tertiary institution; ICT Polytechnic, many primary and secondary schools. It is unlike my days when many youngsters of Itori had to go to Abeokuta, Ibadan or Lagos for secondary education. When I came to Itori as the new Oba, there were only a few people living in the town. There were about 20 to 30 major families who were living in Itori, but today the town could boast of thousands of people. We thank God. We have a Civic Centre in Itori now that has about 100 ensuite rooms and a sitting capacity of about 1,500 guests. It has a swimming pool and all the facilities that are required for a modern city. God has been so kind to us generally. In a couple of weeks, railway terminals will be coming back to Itori.

  • Buhari greets Alake of Egbaland at 75

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sent warm greetings to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, on his 75th birthday.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined the entire Egbaland in celebrating the joyous and historical milestone for the royal father, whose ascension to the throne of his forefathers took place in 2005.

    The President noted that he has brought peace, unity and prosperity to the people.

    He also congratulated family members and friends of the traditional ruler, while recalling his visionary, purposeful and responsive leadership style, which has greatly impacted on the lives of those in his domain.

    The stamen reads: ‘’As Alake of Egbaland turns 75, the President reaffirmed that his counsels to community members, the State and Federal Government have helped substantially in the successful political transitions in the country.

    ‘’He prayed that the almighty God will grant the Alake of Egbaland longer life, good health and strength to keep serving his people and the nation.’’

  • I’m not quarreling with Oba Adetona, says Alake

    I’m not quarreling with Oba Adetona, says Alake

    Less than 24 hours after Governor Ibikunle Amosun doused the embers of row between the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona over Obas’ ranking in Yorubaland, Alake said “there was no quarrel or misunderstanding between him and Awujale.”

    Oba Gbadebo said further he and Oba Adetona would work harmoniously to sustain the prevailing peace in the state as well as coordinate their support for Amosun’s Mission to Rebuild Ogun State.

    The Alake who made this known to The Nation in a release by his Media aide and Aare Baaroyin of Egbaland, Chief Layi Labode, “appealed to the Press to just inform and not to inflame the people” about the matter.

    According to him, the same message of peace and harmony he is sending out to his Egba people would be communicated to the Ijebus by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Adetona.

    The statement reads: “both the conventional at Social Media had gone to town with stories on the purported disagreement between two of the foremost Traditional Rulers in Yorubaland and indeed in Nigeria, on the ranking of Traditional Rulers in Yorubaland, Southwest Nigeria.

    “The Alake had ranked the Yoruba Traditional Rulers according to documented records including Government Gazette while Awujale disagreed and made his own categorization.

    “Awujale’s Remarks caused further response from the Egba High Chiefs who went into Achieves and Contemporary Records to insist on Alake’s stand.

    “Naturally the disagreement between the Great and revered Monarchs became a hot Running Story, attracting “Screaming Headline.”

    Few headlines and contents were mere writers’ imaginations, which might even cause further deterioration between The Alake and Awujale.

    “The Executive Governor of Ogun State in his usual swift and proactive manner came in decisively to put off the festering Embers of disharmony and disunity among Ogun State Traditional Rulers.

    “According to the Governor he could not wait for People outside the state to come and resolve such situation for the state on Wednesday 16 March 2016, Senator Ibikunle Amosun invited both Oba Alake, His Majesty Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Awujale, His Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona to the Executive Chamber of the Governors Office for a Royal and Harmonious discussion.

    “Those at the meeting with the Governor were the Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, The Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Adeoluwa Taiwo and The Honorable Commissioner to the Chieftaincy Affairs Chief Jide Ojuko.

    “Both Oba, Dagburewe of Idowa that accompanied the Awujale and Aare Baaroyin Egba, Olootu Layi Labode that accompanied the Alake were “Hosted in a Comfortable Waiting Room.

    “About One hour into the meeting the Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun came into the waiting room to address both Kabiesi Oba Dagburewe of Idowa and Aare Baaroyin of Egbaland, asking the two of them to deliver his message of peace to the Ijebus and the Egbas, that he had totally and finally discussed with the two foremost Traditional Rulers. He enjoined  both Egba and IjebuChiefs and People should Promote Unity through Love,understanding and Concord among the two Groups as well as the entire Ogun State.

    “Kabiesi, Dagburewe and Aare Baaroyin of Egbaland assured The Governor that his message of peaceful co-existence among various Groups in Ogun State would be fully deliver to all appropriate courters.

    “Thereafter, the Governor went back to the Executive Chamber to continue his meeting with the two Ogun State Paramount Rulers. The meeting ended some one and half hour.

    “As the Ogun State Governor Emerge from Executive Chamber with The Alake, The Awujale, The Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government and Hon. Commissioner to Chieftaincy Affairs, A Hoard Press had laid an ambushed.

    “Questions Started flying from the Press Men simultaneously to the Governor,to the Alake and to the Awujale.

    “Senator Ibikunle Amosun took charge and told the Press that the briefing they were waiting for, would take place down stairs, where he humorously advised some individual correspondents that they should not write imaginary stories about what happened as they used to do.
    “He appealed to the Press just to inform and not to inflame the people.

    “He told the Press that he had invited the two Traditional Rulers to discuss the development of Ogun State, adding that what was discussed on the striking workers in Ogun State was still classified and asked the Alake to address the press.

    “Talking to the Press, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo said there was no quarrel or misunderstanding between him and Awujale and the two of them would sustain and coordinate there support for Senator Ibikunle Amosun Mission to Rebuild Ogun State.

    “The Alake also disclosed that the two of them fully delivered Striking workers ‘message to the Governor, hoping that the dispute would be amicably resolved soonest.

     

  • Amosun wades into Alake, Awujale royal feud

    Amosun wades into Alake, Awujale royal feud

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun may have waded into the festering disagreement between the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
    Recently, there have been exchange of bitter words between the two prominent Yoruba traditional rulers in Ogun state – Alake and Awujale, over the ranking of the Obas by the former(Alake).
    Last Monday, the Alake through 22 Egba chiefs, including 15 Ogboni chiefs, insisted that the Awujale remained the least in the echelon of status among the yoruba major traditional rulers.
    The Alake said his earlier listing of the Awujale as occupying the last position after the quartet of the Oni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin and Alake of Egbaland, “was supported by documentary evidence and therefore stands by his position.”
    According to the Egba Paramount ruler, the ranking of the Yoruba Traditional Rulers was carried out in 1937 by the then Ooni of Ife.
    The Alake’s statement was sequel to Oba Adetona’s last Thursday claims that the Alake was a junior chief in Egba forest under Alaafin who fled to Ibadan and that Alake is also of the same status with some Ijebu Obas like the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye that are under his(Adetona) jurisdiction.
    The Awujale made the remarks in Lagos during the launch of an Endowment Fund for a Chair at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago – Iwoye, in reply to an earlier ranking of the Yoruba obas by Alake which placed him at the tail end on the hierarchy.
    But yesterday, Amosun, Oba Adetona and Oba Gbadebo met privately for about 75 minutes at the Oke – Mosan Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
    The details of what transpired during the closed door meeting were kept away from reporters when they emerged from it about 3:45pm.
    Even when prodded several times by reporters to throw light on what happened, all of them responded in general terms.
    Governor Amosun said the monarchs were in his office to deliberate on how to keep Ogun state more peaceful and vaguely blamed the press for the negative reportage of the matter.

  • Alake, Awujale’s feud not in Yoruba’s interest – lawmaker

    Alake, Awujale’s feud not in Yoruba’s interest – lawmaker

    The lawmaker representing Epe Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Segun Olulade has expressed displeasure over the current supremacy feud between the Alake of Egba-Land, Oba Israel Adedotun Gbadebo and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

    Olulade said the show of class among the first class and highly placed Obas in Yorubaland is uncalled for at a moment when the nation is battling with more serious national issues ranging from poor state of economy to security issue and Mr. President’s relentless fight against corruption and indiscipline in the country.

    Olulade said there are better roles for royal class to play at this trying moment than to engage in fruitless royal battle that is of no immediate or remote benefit to the Yorubaland, our people and the nation.

    “The royal thrones are our sacred authorities in Yorubaland which we hold in high esteem; taking them to the public place for disgrace and insults are disgraceful to the entire Yorubaland and uncalled for,” Olulade said.

    He, however, appealed to the two royal fathers to sheath their swords and engage in royal responsibilities that brings honour, dignity and development to their people and the Yoruba race.

    He also applauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Enitan for playing unifying role among the Obas in Yorubaland and providing empowerment for the people to support government’s efforts at achieving sound economic growth and development.

    “I have the highest number of royal fathers in my constituency in Lagos State or possibly in the entire country, but there is peace because the Obas are very conscious of the current situation of our country and the need to help promote peace and harmony in the land.

    “The Yoruba race earns its global respects from the refined class of its royal authorities and it will be so unfortunate to see same dragged in the mud for mere supremacy fight. Every royal father should administer its constituency with best practices in leadership rather than cross-carpet fight over who is higher than the other.

    “The royal authorities all have histories that make each unique; therefore, the best way to show supremacy is in deploying exemplary leadership and not in media war and unhealthy fight amongst the royal father,” he added.

  • Awujale is last in ranking among Yoruba Obas – Alake

    Awujale is last in ranking among Yoruba Obas – Alake

    The rift between the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, worsened on Monday with the Alake insisting that the Awujale remained the least in the echelon of status among the Yoruba major traditional rulers.

    Alake said his earlier listing of the Awujale as occupying the last position after the quartet of the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin and Alake of Egbaland, “was supported by documentary evidence and therefore stands by his position.”

    Oba Adetona had last Thursday claimed among other things that the Alake was a junior chief in Egba forest under Alaafin who fled to Ibadan and that Alake is also of the same status with some Ijebu Obas like the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye that are under his (Adetona) jurisdiction.

    The Ijebu Paramount Ruler made the remarks in Lagos during the launch of an Endowment Fund for a Chair at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago – Iwoye, in reply to an earlier ranking of the Yoruba obas by Alake which placed him at the tail end on the hierarchy.

    But Monday, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who spoke through 22 Egba chiefs, including 15 Ogboni chiefs, that gathered in Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun state, to reply Adetona, said the ranking of the Yoruba Traditional Rulers was carried out in 1937 by the then Ooni of Ife.

    Reading a prepared speech signed by the Balogun of Egbaland, Chief Sikirulai Atobatele during a press conference, the Baaroyin of Egbaland, Chief Layi Labode, said the ranking took place at the Central Native Council meeting in Lagos and was chaired by the Governor – General, Sir William Macgregor.

    Labode added that those in attendance at the said 1937 meeting in Government House, Lagos, were the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin, Alake of Abeokuta and the Awujale of Ijebu – Ode.

    He said their concern about Awujale’s comment is predicated on the monarch’s “self – indulgence to churn out outright historical falsehoods in the presence of knowledgeable Nigerians.”

    Labode said; “historically speaking, Alake was higher by Salary Differentials paid by the Colonial Government” at the time.

    According to him, the Alake of Abeokuta earned £2,250 while the Awujale of Ijebu – Ode earned £1,700 during the colonial era.

    “Awujale (claimed he) made several calls to Alake to confirm if Alake actually made the statement on Yoruba Obas ranking. Awujale also claimed that Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, also contacted Alake on the same issue which Alake again denied.

    “(The fact) both Awujale and Oba of Lagos actually called Alake on the ranking of Yoruba Obas, Alake responded that his ranking was supported by documentary evidence and he therefore stands by his position,” Labode said.

    The Baaroyin of Egbaland and Media aide of the Alake also refuted claims by Oba Adetona that the Alake was a junior chief in Egba forest under Alaafin where he(Alake) fled to Ibadan and later to Abeokuta and met the Osile, Olowu, Agura and Olubara already on ground.

    Labode said, on the contrary, 20 Alake had reigned in Egba forest prior to the founding of Abeokuta, the modern day capital of Ogun state, explaining that that there was also no Alake that fled to Ibadan or took refuge there.

    According to him, the Egbas arrived and settled in Abeokuta in 1830 with the first Alake installed in 1854 followed by the Olowu in 1855, the Agura in 1870 and Osile in 1897.

    He stressed that by the Egba United Government Proclamation of February 1st, 1898, and approved by the then Governor of Lagos, the Egba cabinet had Alake as President, Osile Minister of Justice, Agura Minister of Communications and Works and the Olowu, the Minister of Finance.

    He also noted that some of the comments on Alake by Oba Adetona was “uncalled for and neither civil nor decent,” but said the Egba chiefs would not “defile the sacred Yoruba Traditional Institution and therefore, refrain from trading insult with a highly regarded monarch of his (Awujale) status.”

    Among the Chiefs present are Bameto of Egbaland, Chief George Taylor, Balogun of Ilaho, Chief Adebayo Soyoye, and the Ilagbe of Egbaland, Chief Akin Akinwale.

  • Awujale churning out falsehoods – Egba chiefs

    Awujale churning out falsehoods – Egba chiefs

    The royal rumble between the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, took a dizzying dimension on Monday morning as 22 Egba chiefs, including 15 Ogboni chiefs, gathered in Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun state, to reply Adetona over what they alleged as his “comments against the person and office of Alake.”

    Oba Adetona had last Thursday in Lagos claimed among other  things that the Alake was a junior chief in Egba forest under Alaafin who fled to Ibadan and that Alake is also of the same status with some Ijebu

    Obas like the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye that are under the jurisdiction of Awujale.

    The Awujale made the remarks in reply to an earlier ranking of the Yoruba obas by Alake which placed the  Awujale at the tail end on the hierarchy of status.

    But reading a prepared speech signed by the Balogun of Egbaland, Chief Sikirulai Atobatele, the BaaIroyin of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode, said their concern about Awujale’s comment is predicated on the monarch’s self – indulgence to “churn out outright historical falsehoods in the presence of knowledgeable Nigerians.”

    Labode said “historically speaking, Alake was higher by Salary differentials paid by the Colonial Government” at the time.

    According to him, the Alake of Abeokuta earned £2,250 while the Awujale of  Ijebu – Ode earned £1,700 during the colonial era.

    Among the Chiefs present are Bameto of Egbaland, Chief George Taylor, Balogun of Ilaho, Chief Adebayo Soyoye, and the Ilagbe of Egbaland, Chief Akin Akinwale.