A former governor of Anambra State, Dr Willie Obiano, has showered encomium on former Chief of Army Staff, Gen TY Buratai rtd, for his efforts to secure the country and foster unity among ethnic groups.
Obiano who spoke at his country home in Aguleri, after the conferment of the highest title of ‘The Warrior That Leads His Troops To Battle’ – Ochiagha Dike Eji Eje Ogu – said his people will be eternally grateful for the support of General Buratai for helping to stem insecurity in Anambra State.
He, however, explained that the chieftaincy title comes with a lot of blessings, which will go with General Buratai.
He said, “When there was insecurity in Anambra, Gen Buratai helped with the deployment of troops. There was a time he influenced the deployment of female intelligence officers to tackle insecurity in Anambra.
“We are very grateful to him for this great gesture. And my people will never forget his support to Aguleri and her people.”
A former CoAS, Buratai was honoured with ‘The Warrior that Leads his Troops To Battle’ – Ochiagha Dike Eji Eje Ogu Aguleri – at the 124th annual Ofala Aguleri by His Royal Majesty, Dr Michael Chukwuneme Idigo V, Eze Aguleri.
The colourful chieftaincy title was preceded by a homage to the Eze on Friday, January 5, 2024. On Saturday, January 6, 2024, the Eze Aguleri, who came out in a procession with his Ozo title chiefs and other chiefs, also included the youth procession and other traditional ceremonies to kick start the conferment.
The title, an equivalent of generalismo, perfectly fitted the former CoAS, whose roles as military chief and diplomat are about unity and keeping Nigeria as one.
Buratai, while speaking during the homage at Eze’s palace, harped on unity and cordial working relationships among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.
He, however, thanked Dr Obiano, the Eze and Aguleri community, for honouring him with such chieftaincy title, promising not to let them down.
The host treated Gen Buratai and his entourage to rich Igbo cultural dance.
The entire community stood still as Gen Buratai paid homage to the elders of Aguleri community.
Itinerant drummers from the Northern part of the country also thrilled the audience to the traditional dance and music.
As a mark of honour for his services to Nigeria, Gen Buratai has been conferred with chieftaincy titles across Nigeria, which include Betara of Biu, Balogun Agba Akin of Kuta, amongst many others.
Royal dignitaries in the entourage of Gen Buratai include, His Royal Highness, Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, CON, the Emir of Biu/Head of Delegation, His Royal Highness, Dr. Chindo Shehu Yamusa, the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness, Dr. Bashir Albashir Bukar, the Emir of Machina, His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, Chairman, Supreme Council of all Owu Obas and Olowu of Owu Kuta kingdom, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Birma, the Birma of Biu, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, Dan Masani of Biu, Rear Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu, retired, OFR, the Shettima of Biu and Brig-Gen Abdullahi Dadan Garba, retired, the Zannah of Biu.
Others were: Alhaji Hussaini Adam, the Galadima of Biu, Alhaji Usman Lawal, the Makaman Keffi, His Royal Highness, Oba Nureni Abioye, the Olu of Bode-Osi, Dr. Kazeem Adio, the Onigege of Igege kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ismail Gbadamosi Ifabunmi III, the Ola of Ajagunlase, His Royal Majesty, Oba Asimiyu Agboluaje, the Ologburo of Ogburo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kamorudeen Ajiboye Sanni, the Olowu of Owu Obaloyan kingdom, Alhaji Dr. Halliru Muhammad, Magajin Garin Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Isah, Ciroma of Nguru and Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Dan Madami of Yusufari.
The list of both serving, retired military officers and other dignitaries that were at the ceremony include, Gen Buratai’s elder brother, Ibrahim Buratai, Lt Gen Adeosun Lamidi rtd, Brig-Gen Usman S.K rtd, Vice Chancellor of Army University, Biu, Prof Kyari Mohammed, Hon Justice Musa A H, Dr Manzo Ahmed, Major Gen Abdulmalik Biu rtd, Rear Admiral Abdul Adamu Biu rtd, Hon Ribadu Jafaru, Maj Gen Efeovbokhan Mathias rtd, Commodore Teidi M.B rtd, Major Gen Ezugwu Victor rtd, Major Gen Ali M G rtd, Major Gen Muktar Nasiru Usman rtd, Brig Gen Dadangarba Abdullahi rtd, Air Commander AN Chukwuka, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, former governor of Anambra, Virgy Etiaba, Barrister Lateef Onijo, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and Mr Femi Oyewale, amongst others.
