At a grand ceremony that took place during the Ulefunta Festival 2023, in Akure, precisely on Saturday, 14th October 2023, His Excellency Amb Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai(Rtd.) CFR, was installed as the BAAKORE of Akure Kingdom, by His Royal Majesty, Oba (DR) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi CFR Odundun II, the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom.
The installation of Buratai, who previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, was greeted with great joy and enthusiasm by the people of Akure.
Taye Johnson, a motorist in Akure, expressed his delight at the installation of Buratai as the BAAKORE, stating that it is a blessing to their kingdom. Another Akure indigene, Mr. Johnson, praised Buratai for his dedicated and meritorious service to the nation during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff. He believes that Buratai’s positive antecedents and professional pedigree, coupled with his sense of patriotism, will greatly benefit Akure Kingdom.
Yet, another daughter of the soil, Alaja Fatimo Abdulraheem, a market woman, commended the Oba of Akure Kingdom for conferring Buratai with this coveted chieftaincy title. She urged the Oba to continue bringing capable individuals like Buratai into the kingdom, as their contributions would go a long way towards contributing to the overall development of the Kingdom.
During the installation ceremony, Oba Aladelusi emphasized that Buratai is a blessing to his Kingdom and expressed gratitude for having him as their son. The Oba acknowledged Buratai’s exemplary service to the nation and highlighted the positive impact he would make as the BAAKORE of Akure Kingdom.
In his response, Ambassador Buratai said he was happy and honoured by his coronation as the BAAKORE, and went ahead to indicate his gracious acceptance of the chieftancy title and expressed his gratitude to the people of Akure Kingdom for finding him worthy of this very important title!
He reassured them that they would never regret having him as their BAAKORE and pledged to serve the kingdom with utmost dedication and commitment.
Simply translated, BAAKORE means ‘Promoter of the Harvest’, whose contributions would impact immensely on the food security and general agricultural prosperity of the Kingdom.
The Coronation ceremony was witnessed by many important personalities, cutting across Government Officials, Captains of Industry, traditional title holders and many retired Army officers, as well as Buratai’s friends and family members!
