The Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has disclosed how a former governor of Ogun State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Olusegun Osoba, made him emerge as the traditional ruler of the town.

Oba Gbadebo disclosed this on Friday while speaking during a special award and luncheon held at the Adire Hall, Ake palace to commemorate the 37th Lisabi Festival.

Those honoured for their outstanding contributions to the development of Egbaland and Nigeria as a whole during the event were a former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; industrialist, Chief Olatunde Abudu; and renowned juju musician and gospel preacher, Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi.

Others were  the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; a retired Primate of Anglican Church, Primate Jasper Peter Akinola; and, co-founder of the Guaranty Trust Bank, Fola Adeola; amongst others.

Going down memory lane to appreciate Osoba’s role towards his emergence as the successor of Oba Oyebade Lipede, who joined his ancestors on February 5, 2005, Oba Gbadebo recalled that the former governor was the first person to put a telephone call across to him to start preparing for the stool.

The royal father said that with the involvement of Osoba, coupled with his genuine zeal and love towards him, he was spurred and decided to show interest and commitment in attaining the royal seat of his forefathers.

Oba Gbadebo said, “I want to appreciate the role of Akinrogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who was the first person to call me to prepare for the throne after the passage of Oba Oyebade Lipede.

“He called to congratulate me and tell me to start preparing for the stool. I now said am ready to take the heritage of my forefathers.

“Let me also add that I am pleased with the spirit of unity and cooperation that has continued to grow stronger among the traditional rulers in Egbaland and beyond, and I want to specifically appreciate the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola for equally injecting love among the traditional rulers through his conduct.