The Aro of Egbaland and Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 20th Coronation Anniversary of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Chief Oluyinka Kufile, has downplayed fears surrounding reports of diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the United States following alleged threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to “attack Nigeria” over claims of Christian persecution.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chief Kufile dismissed the tension as “a storm in a teacup”, assuring Nigerians that there was no cause for alarm. He emphasized that the long-standing diplomatic relationship between both nations remains strong and would not be jeopardized by sensational media reports.
“There is no need to panic. Nigeria and the United States have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship. Whatever concerns may have been raised are minor and will soon be resolved. It’s just a storm in a teacup that will clear off shortly,” he stated.
Chief Kufile noted that the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has been a strong advocate of peace, dialogue, and mutual cooperation—values that align with Nigeria’s enduring friendship with global partners, including the United States.
He said Oba Gbadebo’s 20-year reign has brought sustained peace, unity, and development to Egbaland, fostering brotherhood among its people and strengthening ties between traditional institutions and government.
“The Alake of Egbaland has been on the throne for twenty years and is still going strong. His success stems from his unwavering commitment to the Egba nation and its people. He believes in hard work, active engagement, and service—qualities that have earned him deep respect and admiration among all sons and daughters of Egbaland, both at home and in the diaspora,” Kufile added.
On development efforts, the High Chief revealed that plans are underway to construct a new city hall with a 1,000-seat capacity, already equipped with an ICT center and library, on a large expanse of land allocated for the project. According to him, the initiative will further boost the socio-economic growth of Egbaland.
Reflecting on the monarch’s reign, he stated,
“Egbaland has witnessed remarkable peace, unity, and development. The last twenty years have seen steady progress in infrastructural renewal, social advancement, and cultural renaissance—a true testament to the Alake’s wisdom, dignity, and commitment to the welfare of his people.”
Chief Kufile also unveiled plans for the 20th Coronation Anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold from Friday, November 14 to Wednesday, November 19, 2025, describing it as a “festival of gratitude.”
The week-long event will feature thanksgiving services, cultural performances, medical outreach programs benefiting over 3,000 people, scholarship and bursary awards for 205 university students, and a grand civic reception honoring the monarch’s visionary leadership.
Highlights of the anniversary include a Jumat service at the Abeokuta Central Mosque, chieftaincy installations, visits to orphanages and special schools, and a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, followed by a reception and book launch in celebration of Oba Gbadebo’s two decades of impactful reign.