General Buratai Is a Great Patriot — Oba Adekunle Makama
By Bashir Yahuza Malumfashi
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His Royal Majesty, the Olowu of the Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Dr. Adekunle Makama Oyelude, CON (Tegbosun III), has described the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, CFR (Rtd.), former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Betaran Biu and Garkuwan Keffi, as a true patriot. He said General Buratai is renowned for his goodwill and cordial relationship with people from every part of Nigeria, as well as with people from other countries.
Oba Adekunle, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, made the remarks during an interview with our correspondents in Keffi while attending the wedding celebrations of A’isha Tukur Buratai and her husband, Umar Abba Zoru.
Speaking on his relationship with General Buratai, the monarch said: “Buratai is my friend and our relationship is built on trust. I am always present at his important occasions and he also attends mine. He is a man of integrity with whom one can maintain a lifelong friendship without any fear or reservation. That is the foundation of the trust and strong bond between us.”
Commenting on the newlyweds, Oba Adekunle said: “Our daughter, A’isha, received an excellent upbringing. I am confident she will not cause any trouble for her husband. Likewise, the groom comes from a respectable family. I therefore wish them a happy married life and pray that Almighty Allah blesses them with peace, harmony and righteous offspring.”
Addressing the country’s current security challenges, the monarch urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in their respective communities. He called on citizens to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities and to continue supporting security agencies in the discharge of their duties.
“To those in government, I urge you to fear God and uphold justice. If justice prevails for all of us, South and North, East and West; there will be peace and sustainable development,” the royal father said.
Speaking to religious leaders, Oba Adekunle added: “I appeal to you to continue preaching, guiding the people with the verses of Allah but refrain from becoming involved in politics. In the South, our religious scholars do not interfere in political affairs.”
The monarch also called on Nigerians to reject tribalism and all forms of ethnic discrimination. “Let us emulate the life of General Buratai, who is a complete patriot and a man who loves people. Whether from the North or the South, the East or the West, everyone is dear to him. Just look at this wedding ceremony of our daughter, people from all over Nigeria have gathered here.”
He further stated: “Nothing is more valuable than maintaining good relationships because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged people to strengthen ties of kinship and friendship. Therefore, let us continue to promote unity and good relations among ourselves.”
Last Saturday, a grand wedding reception and traditional Durbar (horse-riding procession) were held in celebration of the marriage between A’ishatu Tukur Buratai and Umar Abba Zoru. The event took place at Tukur and Tukur Farms in Gora, Nasarawa State, where distinguished guests from across Nigeria and abroad gathered to celebrate with the bride and groom.
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