By Olayemi Esan
The former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General (rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, as been given a Ibadan traditional title as Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland.
Speaking to newsmen in Ibadan, a day after his coronation and presentation with staff of office as the new Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Alli Okunmade, Olubadan of Ibadanland, said given Ibadan traditional title to Lieutenant General (rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, as Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland was never a mistake.
Oba Balogun in his private residence 'Alarere residence' also said while playing host to the Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland and the incumbent Ambassador to Benin Republic who was accompanied by his friends on a congratulatory visit to the monarch.
Speaking through his brother, Sen. Kola Balogun, who led the team on the visit, Olubadan said the periodic meetings could either be once or twice in a year to wine and dine together and ensure that the relationship between Ibadan and her chiefs was kept alive and active.
Olubadan, who described his visitor, who was the Chief of Army Staff when he became the Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland as a dedicated and loyal Army General, explained that his appointment as an Ibadan Chief was not a mistake and prayed that his shadow would not grow less.
In his remark, Ambassador Buratai described the new Olubadan as a person whose name and personality preceded his enthronement as Olubadan owing to his philanthropic gestures, detribalised posture, politics and activism.
Congratulating the Ibadans for having Dr. Balogun as their monarch, the retired Army General said all the attributes mentioned earlier would come into play during the reign of the new king.
Accompanied by Brig. Gen. S.K. Usman (retd), Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun among others, he promised to remain a loyal Chief to the monarch and Ibadanland by answering to his duties as the Aare Akinrogun of the ancient metropolis anytime the need arises.
Present at the occasion were Distinguished Senator Kola Balogun, Prince Niran Adeyoju and members of the entourage of the Ambassador that includes, Lieutenant General LO Adeosun (rtd), Major General GU Chibuisi, General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerians Army, Commodore Mathew Teidi (rtd), President of 29 RC Foundation, Major General II Abba (rtd), Alhaji Manzo Ahmed, Alhaji Mohammed Malgwi, Colonel EA Adegbola, Colonel Akpata and Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr.
Shortly after that, Senator Kola Balogun also hosted all guests to a dinner in his residence.
