PICTORIAL: Osun Monarch Honours Botswana Army General, Saudi Arabian Princess

 As Buratai, Owaloko, others storm Kuta

The Olowu of Owu Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammeed Adekunle Makama, Tegbosun III, has declared that the Owu chieftaincy titles were not cheap, nor for sale, but for deserving individuals.

Oba Makama said this at his Palace in Kuta town, Osun State, on Tuesday, when he conferred chieftaincy titles on a retired Botswana Army officer, Brig.-Gen. Michael Mukomani, and a Saudi Arabia’s Princess, Ms Amani Bint Muhammed A Aljizani.

While Brig.-Gen. Mukomani was conferred with ‘Otun Balogun Agba’ of Owu Kuta Kingdom, which translates to the Right Hand Man of the King, Ms Amani was conferred with the title of ‘Erelu Fiwagboye’ of Owu Kuta, which entails that the honoree must have a community development initiative for Owu Kuta Kingdom.

Olowu, who praised Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff and one-time Ambassador to Benin Republic, Gen. TY Buratai (rtd), who accompanied the honourees to the palace, for his support and encouragement, said the retired Nigerian Army General has been adopted as 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 feat the latter had achieved in Botswana’s Army thereafter.

Buratai said, though Gen Mukomani couldn’t make it to the Botswana legislature in the last election, he’s 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; Oba Moses Agunsoye, Elebura of Ijebu-Ijesa, amongst others.

Responding on behalf of the newly installed Owu chiefs, the new Otun Balogun Agba said he was excited to be part of the tradition and development in Owu Kuta kingdom.

He assured Oba Makama that he would always work towards the progress and development of Owu Kuta Kingdom.

“I’m breathing in Yoruba culture, which you enjoy 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 General Buratai. I take this honour with great reverence and respect. I will be the true ambassador of Yoruba people,” he added.

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