His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, was born at Ake, Abeokuta on 14th September, 1943 to late Omo’ba Adesanya Osolake Gbadebo, one of the sons of Oba Gbadebo 1, the 6th Alake who reigned from 1898 to 1920 in Abeokuta. The Gbadebo family is a branch of Okukenu family Laarun Ruling House.
As a young boy, Omo’ba Adedotun Gbadebo was enrolled as a pupil at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) School, Itesi, Abeokuta and had his Secondary Education at the famous Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS), Oke-Egunya, Abeokuta and his Higher School Certificate course at the Ibadan Grammar School.
The Alake proceeded to the Premier University in Nigeria, University of Ibadan in 1965 where he successfully graduated and bagged Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons.) degree in 1969. He was commissioned a full Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army on 15th December, 1969. To further satisfy his educational thirst, he successfully underwent a full time Post Graduate Diploma in Education at the University of Ibadan, from September 1974 to June 1975 an Army sponsorship. He attended the Command and Staff College, Jaji, Nigeria from September
1978 to August 1979 and passed out in flying colours obtaining the Psc. He was retained in the Staff College as a Directing Staff for the next 2 years. During his brilliant military career, he paid study tours to the United Kingdom Staff Colleges in 1979.
He won various medals including the National Service Medal (NSM), Defence Service Medal (DSM) and Forces Service Star (FSS), among others. The military service of sixteen years ended on a very challenging stint as Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Dodan Barracks Major General Tunde ldiagbon from January 1984 to September 1985.
On 12th April, 1971, he got married to Tokunbo Odunjo, now Olori Dr. (Mrs.) T. Gbadebo, daughter of late Pa. E. Odunjo, a renowned Yoruba Literature author and Asiwaju of Egbaland and late Mrs. Emmanuela Olabosipo Odunjo, lyalode of lbarapa. The marriage is blessed with four sons and many grandchildren.
In the last thirteen years as the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland and rotational Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has undertaken numerous projects for the upliftment of the people of Egbaland. These include: Egbadotun Poverty Alleviation Fund; Upgrading to the world standard, the annual Lisabi Festival under the sponsorship of MTN initially and later Glo; Modernization of the Ake Palace and the provision of sporting facilities, including a modern squash court. He regularly encouraged Egba sons and daughters to “seek ye first educational laurels and all other things shall be added. He has also created awareness for the less-privileged people in the society, children with special needs and lepers inclusive. HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland created over 50 Obaship stools to cover every nook and cranny of Egbaland as centres of development. He has continued to promote unity and peace among all Sections and religious groups in Egbaland.
HRM Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, CFR, Okukenu IV, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland was appointed Chancellor of Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI) (now Alex Ekweme Federal University), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on 5th May, 2015. He was subsequently installed at the University at a colourful ceremony held on Monday, 25th January. 2016.
His hobbies include playing Lawn Tennis, Squash and Golf.
The Alake is a devout Christian who has served in various capacities in the Catholic Church and participates fully in the activities of the Anglican Communion. Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, is chronologically the 30th Alake but the 10th to reign in Abeokuta.
