His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Hammeed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, the Olowu of Kuta, has emphasized that Owu Chieftaincy titles are neither cheap nor for sale, but are bestowed upon individuals who truly deserve them.
He made this declaration on Tuesday at his Kuta palace during the conferment of titles on two distinguished individuals: Brigadier General Michael Mukomani (rtd), a high-ranking officer in the Botswana Army, and Ms. Amani Bint Muhammed A Aljizani, a Saudi Arabian princess.
Gen. Mukomani was honored with the title of Otun Balogun-Agba of Owu-Kuta, a prestigious title meaning “Right Hand Man” to the Balogun-Agba to Olowu-Kuta, while Princess Amani received the title of Erelu Fiwagboye of Owu-Kuta, which carries the responsibility of fostering community development initiatives for the Owu-Kuta Kingdom.
During the conferment ceremony, Oba Makama also praised General T.Y. Buratai, Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to Benin Republic, for his ongoing support and encouragement. Gen. Buratai, who accompanied the honorees to the palace, had earlier bagged the Owu Chieftaincy title as Balogun-Agba of Owu-Kuta.
While speaking, Gen. Buratai shared the bond between him and Gen. Mukomani since the War College days in Bangladesh and spoke of his subsequent success in Botswana’s military. He also expressed that Gen. Mukomani’s leadership qualities will propel him to future political success in his country.
Speaking on behalf of the newly installed Chiefs, Otun Balogun Agba, Gen. Mukomani expressed his gratitude for the honor and shared his excitement about being part of the cultural heritage of the Owu Kuta Kingdom. He pledged to be a strong ambassador of Yoruba culture and to promote the values he has experienced in Kuta back in Botswana.
“I breathe in the Yoruba culture, and I will carry it with me,” he said. “The Yoruba have the potential to lead the African continent. With the right leadership, Nigeria can set the example for the rest of Africa.”
The ceremony was a testament to the deep-rooted cultural ties and mutual respect shared among the Yoruba people, demonstrating their commitment to progress and unity.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila; Oba Hakeem Ogungbangbe, Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa; Oba Kamodudeen Obaloyan; Lt. Gen. Rasaki Adeosun and Oba Moses Agunsoye, Elebura of Ijebu-Ijesa, among others.
