Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Ambassador Lt General (rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR, has described the late Olubadan of ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II, as a responsible traditional ruler who lived to serve the people.
He said this on Saturday while speaking with journalists at the Civic reception held on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium by the Oyo State government for the late Olubadan on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium.
Buratai, who was also Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, said the late Oba Balogun dedicated his life and time to promoting the unity and oneness of Nigeria.
The former Army Chief said the late Olubadan was a detribalised Nigerian who lived to serve humanity, Nigeria and the people of Ibadanland.
“He did not just accord me respect as an elder statesman, I was also honoured with a chieftaincy title of Aare Akinrogun of Ibadanland and I am proud to be associated with the late Olubadan,” he added.
Ambassador Buratai said he had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the family of another late Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso I, where he was received by the families and Oloris of the late Oba Adetunji.
He added that he prayed for the family of the late Oba Adetunji and he informed them that he was in Ibadan for the final burial ceremony of the late Oba Balogun, just as he found it expedient to also visit the family of his immediate predecessor too.
Amb Buratai prayed for the success of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, too and urged him to build on the legacies of his predecessors.
Recalled that Tukur Foundation a non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded by General Tukur, organised a three-day free medical outreach programme in Ibadan to honour the departed Oba Balogun.
The first two days of the free medical outreach were held at the Aliiwo Family Compound of the late Olubadan on Thursday and Friday, while the last leg was held at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
Ambassador Buratai had on his entourage to the event the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Oyelude Makama CON; HRM Adekemi Omorinbola, the Regent of Asin, Iwaro-Oka; Major General Bulama Biu (rtd); President of the 29th Regular Course, Commodore Teidi (rtd); and Brigadier General Muazu, the Garrison Commander, Division 2 Garrison Command.
Others included Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd); Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi; Alhaji Ibrahim, Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi, Mr Femi Oyewale, the Publisher of Sahara Weekly and Barrister Lateef Onijo, among others.
