Nigeria, Abeokuta – A Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Olodo-de Elders’ Group of Yorubaland Association, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, appointed the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, as its Grand Patron.
Led by its Founder and National Coordinator, Ogbeni Olajide Kamilu Ajani to the revered monarch in his Ake palace, Ake, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the group presented Oba Gbadebo with a letter and plaque of insignia as the group’s grand patron.
Special Adviser on media to the Group, Elder Adetokunbo Fakeye disclosed in a statement that, In his acceptance speech, the traditional ruler commended the group Founder/Coordinator, describing him as a visionary personage, endowed with wisdom and leadership traits.
Oba Gbadebo extolled the virtue of the group’s leader for distinguishing himself as a true son of the race, saying his love for uplifting the Yoruba culture and language, the proposed establishment of a Yoruba museum in Abeokuta, is quite commendable.
According to the Alake, “Anything that will promote Yoruba culture will get my support. Your purpose for forming the group is commended. I therefore accept to be the group Grand Patron”, and went further to disapprove of the claim that Yoruba language is a vernacular.
In response to the paramount ruler’s inquisition on the meaning of Olodo-de, the group’s Founder and National Coordinator said, “Olodo-de is panegyric of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR”, adding “it is adopted to honour the President as a shinning light of the Yoruba race.”
Alake noted that he had to acquaint himself with all necessary facts about the association, especially the eulogy on the president, whom, he said, he had known for the past 40 years; “he will definitely ask questions on the eulogy.”
Egba chiefs present at the occasion included Navy Captain Raji (retd), who is the Asipa Egba, Apena Itoko, Chairman Lisabi planing Committee and former Governor of Sokoto and Bauchi state; Chief Alani Bankole, Apena Egba and Oluwo Iporo; Chief Akoni, Bagbimo Egba; Chief Tajudeen, and HRM. Oba Orile Ifo.
On the entourage of the visiting Olodo-de Group are Chief Oluranti Sodeyinde; Chief Aliu, Baale of Otete; Comrade Fasino; Chief Sina Bankole; Chief Emmanuel Ayekoti; Chief Imam Ishmael Odenike; and Chief Dr. Akeem Ademolake;
Others were Chief Adio Adekunle; Chief Dr. Sowunmi; Chief Adesogo Gorge; Chief Adewale; Chief Mrs Olasupo; Chief (Mrs) Serifatu Bolatito; Chief (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Akande; Chief (Mrs) Oyenekan Olufunke; Chief Ogundipe; and Pastor Bamidele Benjamin;
Also included on the entourage were Hon. Adeyemi; Omidan Oluwatobiloba Danilola; Prince Adebowale Ibitoye; Chief (Mrs) Bukola Odunlami; Chief (Mrs) Ayina Ajigbeda; Deaconess Olufunmilayo Lawal; Alhaji Jamiu Junaid; Ogbeni Olutude Majekodunmi and Mr Iyiola Fatai Babatunde.
