According to Punch Newspaper, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, emphasized the significance of celebrating the 90th birthday of Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, highlighting Egbaland's historical and cultural contributions. In a recent statement, Oba Gbadebo underscored Egbaland's unique position as a pioneer in encounters with Europeans, cultural assimilation, and adoption of Western practices. He pointed out that Egbaland was the first Nigerian region to establish a hospital and embrace Western medicine, attributes that laid foundational pillars for modern healthcare in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Oba Gbadebo noted Egbaland's pivotal role in journalism, citing the establishment of Nigeria's first newspaper by Henry Townsend in the region. He also highlighted Egbaland's educational legacy, noting that the prestigious CMS Grammar School, now located in Lagos, originated in Egbaland. Reflecting on the region's historical openness to cultural exchange, Oba Gbadebo emphasized that Egbaland was the first to welcome Europeans peacefully, fostering an environment conducive to the introduction of Christianity and subsequent civilizational advancements.
Regarding the celebration of Prof Wole Soyinka's milestone birthday, Oba Gbadebo praised Egbaland as a cradle of civilization and Christianity, suggesting that the region's rich heritage and intellectual climate may have influenced the emergence of iconic figures like Soyinka. As Egbaland commemorates this occasion, the Alake affirmed the importance of recognizing Soyinka's contributions to literature and global discourse, underscoring Egbaland's enduring legacy as a hub of cultural and intellectual dynamism in Nigeria.
He said: We are the first to meet a White man. We are the first to imbibe a different culture to mix with ours and to emulate what is the best in each one. We are the first to have a hospital and Western medicine. The first newspaper in the country was established here by Henry Townsend. We are the first to have a grammar school. That CMS Grammar School now in Lagos started from here. We are the first to properly welcome the White men without fighting. Egbaland is the seat of civilisation and Christianity, so it may not be surprising that we have icons like Prof Soyinka, among others.