By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, has urged the Ogun State Government to sustain its ongoing road development and other infrastructural projects across the state, expressing confidence that the pace of renewal will continue.

Speaking at a press conference to announce activities lined up for his 20th coronation anniversary, Oba Gbadebo commended the state government for its commitment to infrastructure, noting that despite challenges in road construction, visible progress has been made.

“No doubt there are challenges in road construction and it is difficult to finish everything at once, but there is still hope,” the monarch stated.
“We remain optimistic that the government will maintain the momentum on these development initiatives.”

Reflecting on his two decades on the throne, the Alake attributed the success of his reign to divine grace and described the period as one of significant progress for Egbaland and Ogun State.

“The only secret to a successful 20 years is God. Those above 30 will appreciate the tremendous development the state has witnessed such as the airport and railway projects and the fact that Ogun remains the only state with two federal universities: FUNAAB and the University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta,” he said.

Chairman of the Anniversary Organising Committee, Chief Oluyinka Kufile, announced that the weeklong celebration will hold from Friday, November 14, to Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

According to him, the festivities will begin with a Jumat service at the Abeokuta Central Mosque, Kobiti, followed by scholarship and bursary awards at the Adire Hall, Ake Palace, sponsored by the A.G. Leventis Foundation, Egba Indigents Global Association, and the Sina Luwoye Foundation.

Kufile revealed that 150 university students will benefit from the educational support programme. Other activities include chieftaincy installations, visits to the Daniel Akintonde School for the Physically Challenged and the Stella Obasanjo Orphanage Home, and a medical outreach featuring menopause sensitisation, general screening, and free drug distribution for over 1,000 beneficiaries.

He added that there would also be free eye screening and surgery for 50 patients at the Centenary Hall, Ake.

The celebration will climax with traditional homages, a special thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, and a South-West Junior Squash Tournament sponsored by the Royalty Club of Egbaland.

Chief Kufile praised Oba Gbadebo’s humility, dedication to service, and passion for youth empowerment through sports.

“His Majesty has come this far through total commitment and open-mindedness. Kingship is not easy, but his love for sports, especially golf, inspired his support for the squash tournament,” he said.

Dignitaries at the briefing included the Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief (Engr.) Tokunbo Adebumi, and the Secretary, Aare Adebayo Shodade.