Oba Makama spoke at Kuta Palace on Tuesday when he conferred chieftaincy titles on Botswana Army General, Brig Gen Michael Mukomani (rtd), and Saudi Arabia’s Princess, Ms Amani Bint Muhammed A Aljizani.
While Gen Mukomani was conferred with the title of Otun Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta Kingdom, which translates to the Right Hand Man of Oba Makama, Ms Amani was conferred with the title of Erelu Fiwagboye of Owu Kuta, which entails that the honouree must have a community development initiative for Owu, Kuta.
Olowu praised Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to Benin Republic, Gen TY Buratai (rtd), who accompanied them to the palace for his support and encouragement, stating that the retired general has been adopted as an Owu son. Incidentally, Buratai also holds the chieftaincy title of Balogun Agba of Kuta.
Speaking earlier, Gen Buratai explained how he met Gen Mukomani at the War College in Bangladesh and the feats he had achieved in Botswana’s army thereafter. Buratai said that, though Gen Mukomani couldn’t make it to the legislature in the last election, he is optimistic that he will be successful in subsequent elections because of his sterling qualities.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila; Oba Hakeem Ogungbangbe, Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesu; Oba Kamodudeen Obaloyan; and Oba Moses Agunsoye, Elebura of Ijebu-Ijesa, amongst others.
Responding on behalf of the chiefs, the newly installed Otun Balogun Agba said he was excited to be part of the tradition and development in the Owu Kuta kingdom. He assured Oba Makama that he would always work towards the progress and development of Owu Kuta.
“I’m breathing in Yoruba culture, which you enjoyed here today, and will take it back to Botswana. I thank you for the exceptional welcome that you have given to me and the entourage of Gen Buratai. I take this honour with great reverence and respect. I will be the true ambassador of Yoruba people,” he added.
“The Yoruba people have what it takes to be the leader of the African continent. What you need to do is to take up the challenge. The Yoruba needs to lead us in a direction that will lead to prosperity. Your Highness has displayed here a cultural renaissance, which you are united by the rich cultural heritage. Nigeria is one country in Africa that, if you get the leadership right, the rest of Africa will make it. And it is just to close the cultural affinity.”
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