By MIKAIL MUMUNI
In a display of interfaith harmony and cultural solidarity, the ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, became a centre of royal celebration last week as prominent figures from across Nigeria converged to mark the 20th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, Okukenu IV, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland.
The event, which underscored the enduring bonds of leadership, community, and national unity, had a special Jumat prayer service, organized by the Egba Muslim Community at the iconic Egba Central Mosque in Kobiti, Abeokuta, on Friday, 14th November, 2025, as one of the major highlights.
Among the galaxy of eminent personalities at the Jumat Service were the Chief Celebrant himself, Oba Adedotun, a Christian as well as His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims.
They were both ushered to Mosque by Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR, the Tayese of Egbaland and Baba Adinni of Ogun State.
The Sultan’s presence at the Alake’s coronation anniversary was more than ceremonial—it was a profound gesture of respect and shared purpose.
During prayers, Sultan Abubakar, while invoking blessings on the Alake said “I thank Allah for this day of the 20th coronation anniversary of our brother.” Oba Adedotun reciprocated warmly, thanking his fellow monarch for taking him and his people seriously by coming all the way from his high throne in Sokoto down to Abeokuta to attend the event.
One of the most poignant tributes came from Ambassador Isola, OFR, who also gave the vote of thanks at the Alake Palace.
A proud son of Egbaland, Isola, bearing chieftaincy titles such as Tayese of Egbaland, Tayese Oke-Ona Egba, Olu-Omo Gbagura, Otitifarati of Owu Kingdom, and Otun of Erunwon Egba, drew from personal and familial ties to amplify his message.
He reflected on his role 20 years ago as chairman of the Planning Committee for the coronation of the Alake and noted that witnessing the Alake reach 20 years on the throne—strong, beloved and impactful—was a divine blessing and a fulfilment of destiny.
Ambassador Isola also recalled the first visit of the Sultan to Egba Central Mosque in the year 2006 after his installation as the Sultan of Sokoto. He 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.
Isola had earlier penned a heartfelt open letter to Oba Gbadebo, hailing his two decades on the throne as “20 Years of Grace, Wisdom, and Royal Impact.”
In the tribute, shared widely among Egba indigenes and others globally, Isola reflected on the monarch’s transformative leadership: “With a heart filled with admiration, joy, and gratitude to the Almighty, I join millions of proud Egba sons and daughters across the globe in celebrating Your Majesty’s 20th Coronation Anniversary—a journey of grace, wisdom, and purposeful royal leadership.”
He lauded the Alake’s commitment to education, infrastructure, and cultural preservation, crediting him with elevating Egbaland’s stature on the world stage. “Your reign has been a testament to the Egba spirit—resilient, innovative, and unyieldingly devoted to progress,” Isola wrote, urging continued unity in the face of contemporary challenges.
The ambassador’s involvement in Egba affairs extends beyond words; his family’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Egbaland’s history. Just last year, during the 2024 Lisabi Festival, Isola’s grandfather, the late Chief Braimoh Tairu Olaleye—former Otun of Egbaland—was posthumously named Hero of the Year for his invaluable contributions to community development.
Oba Gbadebo, in unveiling the honour, praised the elder Isola’s diligence, a sentiment that resonated during the 20th coronation anniversary of the Alake, as Ambassador Isola stood in solidarity with the throne.
The coronation anniversary celebrations of Alake extended beyond religious rites as it encompassed a week-long programme of cultural displays, youth empowerment seminars, and inter-community dialogues. Egba sons and daughters from the diaspora, including professionals and traditionalists, returned home to pay homage, reinforcing the Alake’s vision of a progressive Egbaland.
Oba Gbadebo who ascended the throne in 2005, has overseen remarkable strides within his domain. As he looks ahead to the next era, the echoes of solidarity from far and near assure that Egbaland’s light will continue to shine brightly.
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