Late Olubadan lived to serve people – Buratai

Retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, a former Chief of Army Staff, praised the late Oba Lekan Balogun, Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Saturday, hailing him as a wise and experienced leader who worked tirelessly to foster unity and a sense of national cohesion throughout his reign.

The Tukur Foundation, an NGO, has established a three-day free medical outreach program in memory of the late Oba Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, to provide medical care and services to the community.

At a civic reception held by the Oyo State Government in Ibadan on Saturday, Buratai praised the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, in an interview with journalists, extolling him as a monarch who dedicated his life to fostering unity and harmony within Ibadanland, particularly among the 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.

During his visit to Ibadan for the late Oba Balogun’s funeral, retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai took the opportunity to pay his respects to the family of the late Oba Adetunji as well.

While offering his condolences, Buratai also offered words of encouragement, urging the Olubadan-designate to build upon 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.

Thediscovererng.com Online reported that the monarch died in mid-March at 81, having spent two years on the throne of his ancestors.