onour as they say, should be given to whom it is due. This cannot be truer than at the event which took place on Sunday August 5th 2007 in London. It was on the occasion of a no-holds-barred red-carpet reception held for His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, The Alake of Egbaland.
First the background to Kabiyesi's royal outing. In the United Kingdom for a visit, HRM Gbadebo had, as part of his itinerary, wanted to reach out especially to all well-meaning Egba sons and daughters abroad - to encourage and wish them well and offer as well native wisdom and elderly advice to both the aspiring and established ones. He was accompanied on this trip by Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo (nee Alawiye).
Yours truly was privileged to discuss the possibility of a majestic reception for Kabiyesi despite the tight royal schedule and having already agreed to be hosted at some equally important functions by other well-meaning Egba indigenes and admirers. A truly affable Oba whose paramount interest is that of his people, Oba Gbadebo readily agreed to the reception which was planned within a rather short notice. And it is with a due sense of humility that the organisers of the event readily welcome the idea of providing yet another platform for the amiable and fatherly monarch to reach out to his subjects.
Before the event held at London's Majestic Restaurant, Oba Gbadebo had been hosted at the popular Old Kent Road, southeast London-based 805 Bar Restaurant Brasserie and Emukay Restaurant also in southeast London.
At Emukay, HRM Oba Gbadebo was treated to a grand house reception by his old pal, the music maestro Tunji Oyelana and his wife, Kikelomo. Turnout at both venues was impressive but the finale at Majestic Restaurant was spectacular. The event was massive and recorded an unexpected crowd of well-wishers comprising not just the sons and daughters of Egbaland but well-wishers and admirers of the highly regarded monarch. On another note, Oba Gbadebo also featured on Passion TV, UK's African community broadcaster.
The UK Chapter of the Old Students Association of the famous African Church Grammar School Abeokuta also attended the reception to pay homage to Kabiyesi.
Oba Gbadebo in responding to the enthusiastic welcome that he received stated that he was equally impressed with the efforts of Nigerians abroad, especially the hardworking horde of Egba sons and daughters resident in the Diaspora. He urged all to be steadfast and maintain the cordial relationship that already exists. Wishing all life more abundant, he exhorted those present to remain focused and work towards achieving a firm base from which a galvanising point can then be established as a prerequisite to repeating the same feat back at home. His Royal Majesty Oba Gbadebo assured those wishing to contribute to the development going on at home that he is ever ready to do all within his means to assist, especially in the procurement of land.
A fatherly figure and gifted monarch blessed in wits and native wisdom, the Oba regaled his hosts with light-hearted jokes and took time out to enlighten all on vital aspects of Yoruba social ethos, including how to greet royal fathers.
It was a befitting outing for such a deserving guest as Kabiyesi Alayeluwa. He is yet another dignitary to be feted at the top-notch eatery.
HRH Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, Alaake of Egbaland
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(L-R, Chief Ben Famuyiwa, Mr 'Labi Odulate, Kabiyesi & Olori Gbadebo, Otunba Gboyega Odunuga, Aare Biodun Odusanwo and Chief Alan Williams
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HRM Oba Gbadebo, Olori and the Mustaphas
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Akisanmis & Mustaphas - organisers and wives
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Mr & Mrs Tunde Ayodeji, Akin Akisanmi, Mrs Bisi Soaga, Mrs Sola Alafe & Toyin Soyoola
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HRH Alake of Egbaland, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo & Helen Oketunji (Publisher, Vintage magazine, UK)
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L to R - Mrs Kunbi Sodipo, Mrs Bola Akisanmi, Kabiyesi, Olori, Mrs Soremi and Mrs Mustapha
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Kabiyesi, Olori and the Akisanmis
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HRM Oba Gbadebo and Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo (nee Alawiye)
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