Late Olubadan, Balogun lived to serve people – Buratai
A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai (retd.), on Saturday, described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, as a responsible monarch who used his worth of experience to promote unity and oneness of Nigeria.
PUNCH Online reports that the Tukur Foundation, a Non-governmental Organisation, set up a three-day free medical outreach to honour the departed Oba Balogun.
Buratai, who spoke with journalists at the civic reception organised for the late Olubadan by the Oyo State Government in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, further described him as a king who used his life and time to promote the unity of Ibadanland, especially among Olubadan-In-Council.
He 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. I am proud to be associated with the late Olubadan. He is a responsible king who used his life and time to promote unity and oneness of Nigeria.”
Buratai, who had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the family of another Late Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, where he was received by the families and Olori’s of the late Olubadan, prayed for the family.
He informed them that he was in Ibadan for the final burial ceremony of the late Oba Balogun, and he found it expedient to visit the family of the late Oba Adetunji too.
While praying for the success of the Olubadan-designate, Buratai, however, urged him to build on the legacies of his predecessors.
Among his entourage to Ibadan were the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Makama, HRM, Adekemi Omorinbola, the Regend of Asin, Iwaro-Oka, Major General Bulama Biu (retd), the President of the 29th Regular Course, Commodore Teidi (retd), Brigadier General Muazu.
Others include the Garrison Commander, Division 2 Garrison Command, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (retd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Ibrahim, Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi, Mr Femi Oyewale, the Publisher of Sahara Weekly, Lateef Onijo and a host of others.
PUNCH Online reported that the monarch died in mid-March at 81, having spent two years on the throne of his ancestors.
