The Alake’s support and excellent governance contributed significantly to the Abeokuta war effort. The army was urged Egba Sons to enlist. Dances were arranged by Abeokuta, and the money raised was sent to London.
For allied use, the Egba were able to purchase a spitfire known as “Abeokuta.” The rubber and palm kernels produced by Egba farmers were vital to the war effort. Rubber was needed for tanks, guns, airplanes and tires; kernel oil was needed for high explosives for the army and navy bombs for the Royal Air Force.
A Southeast Asia Contingent Troops Reception committee was established in Abeokuta following the war to receive and rehabilitate the troops of Egba descent.
King VI of England appointed the Alake, who was already a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), a Companion of the Orderof St. Michael and St. George, possibly as a thank you for his war effort. Photograph by E. H. Duckworth (1894–1972) and Herskovits Library of African Studies.
Image info: Standing at the Itoro Hall in Ijebu Ode are HRM, Oba Sir Ladapo Ademola II KBE, and other individuals. The photo was taken in 1941 at the Oba’s Conference in Ljebu Ode.
