Since he ascended to the throne of Anlugbua, the progenitor of Owu-Kuta people, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama had hosted series of events, traditional and social, in his palace located near the King’s market.
Those events usually attracted appreciable number of crowd to the expansive compound including battery of reporters invited from different media organisations to cover those functions for public awareness.
However, none of those events compares to the recent held by Oba Makama exclusively for the media. Unlike the previous ones which advertised themselves to the generality of Kuta residents, this one only had in attendance traditional chiefs who supported Oba Makama while the event lasted.
Though the invited journalists, who came individually and in groups, were not unawares of the subject that brought them to Owu-Kuta, they did not have the details until the monarch picked his prepared speech and spoke on what was considered unfamiliar topic by a traditional ruler, who should be contented with his custodian of custom and tradition role in his domain.
The royal father, also the current chairman of the Supreme Council of Owu Obas, showed concern on the state of the nation and specifically dwelled on the Nigerian Army and its efforts at bringing the protracted battle against the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency to an end in the North-east zone of the country.
The palace modern hall went into complete silence with reporters burying their heads in their writing materials and scribbling some words from the extensive speech of the Olowu. Oba Makama commenced from historical perspective to Boko Haram insurgency tracing it to 2002 when one Mohammed Yusuf, an outspoken, fiery Islamic adherent, led like minds in campaign against what he called corrupt leadership in the country, thereby advocating an extreme Islamist ideology against the system.
However, according to the traditional ruler, Boko Haram didn’t start using violence against the government until 2009 after it had fully transformed to a rebellion group and caused tension in the North-eastern part of Nigeria.
In 2012, there was a split in the group resulting to emergence of Salafist conservative faction led by Abu Usmatul al-Ansari, and the more dominant, violent faction led by Abubakar Shekau. Thousands of lives had been lost thereafter, making Nigerian government in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan vulnerable.
And the appointment of the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Burantai by President Muhammadu Buhari, therefore, restored hope in ending the insurgency. Even though total success cannot be said to have been achieved, the continued offensive by Nigerian troops has been productive.
Evidence is the reclaiming of Baga town in Kukawa Local Government Council of Borno State. That exploit excited Oba Makama and called on Nigerians to show appreciation to the fighting troops in the warfront.
The traditional ruler, who is reputed for his regular contribution to national discourse, said the impressive result deserves not only commendation but also wide publicity to boost the morale of the gallant soldiers.
While two soldiers on Nigerian side reportedly fell and five injured during the fierce battle in Baga town, Nigerian Army Special Forces Command (NASFC), fought gallantly and forced the insurgents to a retreat.
Oba Makama also said that national applause to Nigerian troop at the battlefield such would also weaken the strength of the insurgents and destabilize their camp.
“It is not fair that our gallant soldiers are only reported when they record casualties. They are our ambassadors who by choice decide to lay down their lives for our dear country. For this reason, they should be respected with commensurate attention. The news coming from Baga, a major commercial centre in Borno State, is a good one, which indicates that the end of the battle is gradually in sight,” he said.
The monarch, therefore, charged the Federal Government to fortify Nigerian troop with necessary equipment to prosecute and bring the war to end earlier than expected, adding that Nigerians in the North-east deserve permanent peace.
He also praised Nigeria Army authorities for their transparent disposition towards verification of the Army’s budgetary allocation as requested by the Civil Society Organizations.
He noted that he Freedom of Information Act does not compel public servants to reveal state secrets or give information, especially when it has to do with national security issue but applauded Gen. Buratai for his maturity.
“With this development, General Buratai has again demonstrated that Nigerian Army is genuinely determined to end this war through transparent dealings. This is the first time in the history of the army to subject budget to such verification called for by civil society groups. Our duty as Nigerian citizens is to keep ore faith in our army. That is a way to give them confidence that their people back home are solidly behind them,” he said.
In order to show his determination to deny the terrorists breathing space and invade their hideouts, has ordered the troops to “fight to finish while inaugurating the Special Motor Cycle Section of 117 Task Force Battalion’s Quick Response Group in Chibok, Borno State.
He stated that the new device is aimed at enhancing quick counter-offensive and chasing the terrorists completely out of their enclaves.
The Olowu used the opportunity to call on his fellow traditional rulers in the South-eastern part of the country to advise Nnamdi Kanu against what he called his regular inflammable statements against the country.
He said, “The royal fathers should let him see reason his call for boycott of the election is a disservice to the South-eastern people and efforts to provoke the state. But I am genuinely positive that the South-east elders know better, and would not condone such excessive statements from any quarters.
We have to realise that Nigeria belongs to all us. Nigeria is older than most of us. And Nigeria will still outlive most of us. The best we should individually and collectively do is to contribute our quotas in leaving Nigeria better than we met it.”
Oba Makama was complemented by the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, who also applauded the breakthrough which Nigerian troops have lately recorded against Boko Haram insurgents, also calling on Nigerian to boost their morale with support.
The Elerinmo acknowledged the newly inauguration of the Special Motorcycle Section of 117 Task Force Battalion’s Quick Response Group in Chibok as evidence of progress under the leadership of Lt General Burantai.
“This is an indication that the army is now using native intelligence to deal with the insurgents. This is modern war strategy used by advanced nations to respond to crisis. I am positive that this innovation would yield good results sooner. All the troops need is our support,” he appealed.
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao in company of his wife also joined his fellow monarchs before the well-attended gathering was finally rounded off on a lighter note of refreshment and music.
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