...Buratai, Owaloko, Oba Abolarin, Others Storm Kuta
His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Hammeed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, the Olowu of Kuta, has emphasized that Owu Chieftaincy titles are neither cheap nor for sale, but are bestowed upon individuals who truly deserve them. He made this declaration on Tuesday at the Kuta palace during the conferment of titles on two distinguished individuals: Brigadier General Michael Mukomani (rtd), a senior officer in the Botswana Army, and Ms. Amani Bint Muhammed A Aljizani, a Saudi Arabian princess.
Gen. Mukomani was honored with the title of Otun Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, a prestigious title meaning "Right Hand Man" to the Olowu, while Princess Amani received the title of Erelu Fiwagboye of Owu Kuta, which carries the responsibility of fostering community development initiatives for the Owu Kuta Kingdom.
During the ceremony, Oba Makama also praised General T.Y. Buratai, Nigeria's former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to Benin Republic, for his ongoing support and encouragement. Gen. Buratai, who accompanied the honorees to the palace, was honored as an "Owu son" and is himself a recipient of the Balogun Agba of Kuta title.
Gen. Buratai shared how he first met Gen. Mukomani at the War College in Bangladesh and spoke of his subsequent success in Botswana's military. He also expressed his belief that although Gen. Mukomani did not succeed in his bid for legislative office in the last election, his leadership qualities will propel him to future political success.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila; Oba Hakeem Ogungbangbe, Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa; Oba Kamodudeen Obaloyan; and Oba Moses Agunsoye, Elebura of Ijebu-Ijesa, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the newly installed Otun Balogun Agba, Gen. Mukomani expressed his gratitude for the honor and shared his excitement about being part of the cultural heritage of the Owu Kuta Kingdom. He pledged to be a strong ambassador for Yoruba culture and to promote the values he has experienced in Kuta back in Botswana.
“I breathe in the Yoruba culture, and I will carry it with me,” he said. "The Yoruba have the potential to lead the African continent. With the right leadership, Nigeria can set the example for the rest of Africa."
The ceremony was a testament to the deep-rooted cultural ties and mutual respect shared among the Yoruba people, demonstrating their commitment to progress and unity.
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