In Pictures: Olowu of Kuta, Other S’West Monarchs Honour Ex-Army Chief, Tukur Buratai in Ibokun

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Traditional rulers from different South-west states on Saturday April 10, 2021, honoured the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai in Ibokun town, Osun State.

 

 

 

The gallant military officer was specially celebrated for his patriotism and detribalized disposition during and after his tenure as the head of the Nigerian Army.

 

Buratai was in Ibokun to Honour the invitation of one of his officers, Major-General Tokunbo Fayemiwo who was hosting the final Burial ceremony for his late parents, Colonel Ayodele Fayemi (retd) and Evangelist Victoria Fayemiwo.

 

Leading the pack of revered monarchs who showered affection on General Buratai is the Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Adekunle Oyelude, a renowned friend of the military. Traditional rulers who were also present at the grand event included the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin; the Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Adesehun; the Onigege of Igege, Oba Kazeem Oyediran, among others.

Resplendent in their regal costumes, the monarchs showed Buratai a strong affection, which, the Olowu stressed, he deserved as “a selfless Nigerian, a bridge builder who saw every part of the country as his home where he had built a network of friends.”

In the words of Oba Makama, the presence of Buratai, who in February was appointed a non-career ambassador barely two weeks after his exit as the chief of army staff, was a demonstration of what he symbolizes as an unusual Nigerian whose patriotic zeal could not be easily faulted.

 

 

“How many people of his status would do such honour for his junior officer? That is telling you that apart from being a soldier, he is a humanist who places a high premium in human relations. Since I have known him, I never found him being accused of arrogance or looking down on his colleagues. I am very happy that he has again demonstrated that character today here in Osun State. Again, how many would retire and get ambassadorial appointment almost the same time?,” Olowu queried.

 

The Olowu further said that whatever he says about General Buratai is verifiable, adding, “there is no secret about his career till his last day in office. That is why I did not keep silent when I observed that he was not being given fair treatment, especially from a section of the media.

 

 

 

“But in the end, we are vindicated that he did his best in the circumstance under which he operated as the chief of army staff of Nigeria Army. In a nutshell, Nigeria needs officers like him to strengthen the bond among ethnic groups that make up the country.”

 

 

 

While reacting to the honour done on him by the traditional rulers, Buratai called on them to sustain the culture and dignity of their office and actively support programs and policies of government designed to protect the security of lives and properties of the citizens.

 

 

 

He stated that the traditional institution remains the pivot of development for Nigerians who reside at the grassroots, particularly applauding the traditional institution for standing in support of unity and peaceful co-existence of the pluralistic Nigerian.