The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo on Sunday led the family of the late Egba warrior, Olubiyi Akinrinlewo Sodeke to celebrate his 180 years demise and church thanksgiving service held at Cathedral Church of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta
Penpushing reports that Gbadebo rose from his seat to join the family when it was announced in the church that, the deceased family came for a thanksgiving service which followed the family earlier organized remembrance lecture in honour of the late Sodeke, who led Egba to Abeokuta during his lifetime
The flamboyant dressed traditional ruler whose face expressed joy could not hold back his dancing skills at the Special Church Service to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration as he led the family to the altar where prayers were showered on the family.
Penpushing further reports that the church was full with excitement as the family followed the first-class traditional ruler to appreciate the Egba progenitor, who was at the family earlier organized Remembrance Day described as Moses of Egbaland.
The Diocesan Bishop of Egba Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Rt Rev Emmanuel Adekunle in his speech acknowledged the role Sodeke played in facilitating Christianity to Egbaland and Nigeria in general.
Penpushing also reports that Adekunle recalled that Sodeke made Egba relevant globally and was a known figure who brought succour to his kinsmen during the war time, hence, his relevance should not be put aside in the ancient town.
The clergyman, who is the Ogun State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) emphasized that Sodeke is undoubtedly a living legend as he left an indelible mark on the sound of history, his remembrance remains till eternity.
Penpushing reports that he recalled that the role of the late Sodeke facilitated the establishment of Cathedral Church of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, said to be the first church in Nigeria, recalling that the first church service in Egbalnd took place at Sodeke’s residence
The record of Sodeke is however, tied to the history of the Egba from the ancient homeland in Oko Egba which is located in modern day Oyo state, and was a brave warrior who led the Egba to Abeokuta in 1830, thereby laying foundation for the Egba nation
Penpushing further reports that ‘Sodeke in relation to ancentral connection was from Egba village of Iporo, who became Secretary of the Egba Army after the death of Derihi who reign was short-lived, and was one of the anointed-the chosen, while this is where he stands in the view of history.
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