The Primate Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion) his grace the Most Revd Henry C. Ndukuba, has felicitated with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, on the monarch’s 80th birthday.
Represented by the retired Primate of Anglican Church, Nigeria, Most Revd Peter Akinola, at the special thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral of St Peters, Ake, Abeokuta to commemorate the 80th birthday of the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland on Thursday, Ndukuba noted that Oba Gbadebo has provided qualitative leadership for the people of Egba.
The clergyman described the royal father as an exemplary leader whose commitment to providing qualitative leadership for the people of Egbaland and Ogun State as a whole is worthy of emulation.
He said at 80 years old, the top priority of Oba Gbadebo should be to move closer to God, adding that by doing this, the royal father would bequeath to the coming generations the honour of being a beacon of light who served humanity diligently and made a lot of positive differences in the life of the people.
Also, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his congratulatory message to Oba Gbadebo said that the 80th-year celebration was not just to mark the passage of time but to celebrate the reign of a first-class ruler that had been marked by great wisdom and unwavering commitment to pursue the socio-economic development and prosperity of the people of Egba land and Nigeria in general.
Tinubu said, “Your reign has been so worthwhile. It has shown you as a monarch who is compassionate and devoted to justice, equity and fairness. Your love for your people in Egbaland and the country as a whole is legendary. You have shown deep connections to the cultural heritage of Egbaland.
“You have been a symbol of unity fostering a sense of belonging, peace, progress and development among your people. You have certainly been a shining example of leadership that we crave in the country and our prayer is that you will celebrate many more years to come in sound health while inspiring all of us to keep serving the country diligently.”
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also congratulated the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland on his 80-year birthday celebration.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday, said Oba Gbadebo’s visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
The Governor said Oba Gbadebo, who retired voluntarily as Colonel in the Nigerian Army, left the Military with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty in him.
He said, “Oba Gbadebo’s reign as the Alake has been a beacon of wisdom, benevolence and cultural heritage, enriching the lives of his subjects and the larger Nigerian populace. His leadership has been the cornerstone of peace and progress in Egbaland, and his commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage is unparalleled.
“His Majesty’s commitment to peace, unity and progress is well-known and deeply respected. His visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
“On this momentous day, we celebrate not just Oba Gbadebo’s birth but the remarkable life he has led, the lives he has touched, and the legacy he continues to build. His Majesty has indeed been a great source of inspiration and a role model to the younger generation.”
