The memories of the 20th coronation anniversary of the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, will linger for a long period of time.

Oba Gbadebo, the 10th Alake in Egbaland ascended the throne of his forebears on November 19, 2005 The anniversary which was celebrated with pomp amid series of activities, included book launch, chieftaincy installation, church service, press conference and visits to the less privileged home in Abeokuta, the political headquarters of the Egba people.

The retired Army officer was coronated on November 19, 2025 as the 10th Alake of Egbaland, succeeding Oba Mofolorunso Oyebade Lipede who joined his ancestors on February 3, 2005, nine days after celebrating his 90th birthday anniversary.

Oba Gbadebo, on Tuesday November 18, 2025, installed Chief (Dr.) Samuel Adeleke Oluwadairo, as the new Ogboye of Egbaland.

Oluwadairo succeeded the late cocoa and produce merchant, Chief Akinremi. The colourful ceremony drew a large gathering of Egba Obas, titled chiefs, government officials, politicians, and business leaders from within and outside Egbaland. Dr. Oluwadairo’s wife, Chief (Mrs.) Regina Oluwafisayo Oluwadairo, was also installed the new Erelu-Ogboye of Egbaland.

The Ogboye title is one of the most senior and government-approved chieftaincy positions in Egbaland. The holder usually serves as a statutory member of the Alake-in-Council and responsible for contributing to the administration of the Egba Kingdom. Dr. Oluwadairo in his acceptance speech, expressed profound gratitude to the Alake for the honour, describing the title as a “call to service.”

While pledging to work for peace, unity, and economic development across Egbaland, the new Ogboye said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be installed as the Ogboye of Egbaland. “I am committed, by the grace of God, to meeting the expectations of our revered monarch and the people of Egbaland,” he said.

The anniversary's grand finale held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 with a church service at the Cathedral of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta with a reception and book launch that followed were something that would for many years be remembered.

Egba sons and daughters within and outside the country came home to honour their apex monarch. It was an herculean task for the security agencies as they struggled to control both the human and vehicular movements.

The number of congregation and dignitaries at the Anglican Church was unprecedented  as religion mixed with the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people.

Supporters of prominent politicians, jostling for positions in the state in the nearer future were at their best selling their candidates.

The Senator currently representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola(a.k.a.Yayi) left no one in doubt that he has a date with posterity in the state.

Different banners of the lawmaker, congratulating Oba Gbadebo as well as announcing his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state flooded strategic positions leading to both the service and the Ake Palace.

Drummers, women groups, miscreants sang praises of the Senator long before his arrival Former governor,  Otunba Gbenga Daniel,  the Olu Nla of Egbaland also literarily stole show along with the former Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola.

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimat Salako who represented her boss, Governor Dapo Abiodun and one of his predecessors, Alhaja Salmat Badru attended the church service.

Other dignitaries at the milestone were Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Jagunmolu of Egbaland, former Ogun State governors, Segun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun.

Board room legend, Olusegun Osunkeye, eminent banker and former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Pastor Tunde Lemo and former speaker in the state, Mrs.Titi Oseni, the Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuiab Afolabi Salusu among others graced the occassion.

Prominent traditional rulers within and outside the state, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the Oba of Lagos, who were represented by their retinue of aides were also in attendance. The  Ogun State Council of Traditional rulers  was led by its Chairman and the Olu and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle.

The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba (Dr.) AdedapoTejuoso and his Olowu counterparts, Oba Saka Matemilola, were among royal fathers who attended the service.

The Bishop of the Egba Diocese, The Rt.Rev Emmanuel O. Adekunle led other ministers of God during the service.

President, Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele was the preacher at the coronation anniversary.

Egba General Titled chiefs and other lesser chiefs were also at their best as they celebrated their eminent royal father.

Olori (Dr.) Tokunbo Gbadebo, the only jewel of inestimable value of Oba Gbadebo led other royal ladies with family members felicitating with the revered monarch.