Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III (born 14 September 1943) is the current Alake of Egba, a clan in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He ascended the throne on 2 August 2005.
Early Life
Gbadebo was born into the Laarun Ruling House. He is:
- Grandson of Oba Gbadebo, the 6th Alake of Egbaland (ruled 1898–1920).
- Nephew of Oba Gbadebo II.
- Great-grandson of Okukenu, the first Alake of Egbaland.
- Descendant of Laarun, an Alake of Ake who ruled in the early 1700s (his 5x-great-grandfather).
Education:
- Baptist Boys' High School, Abeokuta
- Ibadan Grammar School
- University of Ibadan (BA, 1969)
Military Career: - Joined the Nigerian Army in 1969 - Attended Command and Staff College, Jaji (1978–1979) - Principal Staff Officer to Maj.-Gen. Tunde Idiagbon (1984–1985) - Retired as a Colonel
Election as Alake
- Elected Alake of Egbaland in August 2005, succeeding Oba Oyebade Lipede (d. 3 February 2005).
- Won with 15 out of 23 votes by the Egba kingmakers.
- Defeated eight rivals, including his younger brother, Adeleke.
Legal Dispute
In April 2010, a dispute arose between:
- Alake Gbadebo III and
- Olu of Igbein, Oba Festus Oluwole Makinde.
Issue:
The Alake attempted to change the Olu’s title from Olu of Igbein to Olu of Mowe.
Implication:
This would affect the Olu's right to certain traditional symbols, including the Igbein stool.
The matter was taken to the High Court of Ogun State, Abeokuta Judicial Division.