A former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Willie Obiano, has showered encomiums on former Chief of Army Staff, Gen TY Buratai rtd, for his efforts to secure the country and foster unity among the 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) on Buratai, said his people will be eternally grateful for the support of Gen 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 Gen Buratai.
His words, “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 the Aguleri and her people.”
Gen TY Buratai rtd was honoured as at the 124th Annual Ovala Aguleri by His Royal Majesty, Dr Michael Chukwuneme Idigo V, Eze Aguleri.
The colourful ceremony was preceded by an homage to Eze on Friday, 5 January, 2024.
On Saturday, 6 January, 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 event.
The title, an equivalent of generalismo, perfectly fitted the former Chief of Army Staff whose roles as military chief and diplomat are about unity and to keep Nigeria as one.
Buratai, while speaking during the homage to Eze’s palace, harped on unity and cordial working relationships among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.
He 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 a rich Igbo cultural dance.
The entire community stood still as Gen Buratai paid homage to the elders of Aguleri community.
The itinerant drumers 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 included: HRH Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, CON, Emir of Biu/Head of Delegation; HRH Dr. Chindo Shehu Yamusa- Emir of Keffi; HRH Dr. Bashir Albashir Bukar- Emir of Machina; HRM Hameed Oyelude Makama, TEGBOSUN III (CON) Olori of Owu Kuta Kingdom and Chairman, Supreme Council of Owu Obas; Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Birma, Birma of Biu; Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, Dan Masani of Biu; Rear Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu (Rtd), OFR, Shettima of Biu; and Brig-Gen Abdullahi Dadan Garba (Rtd)- Zannah of Biu.
