Botswana Army General, Saudi Arabian Princess Honoured with Titles
His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Hammeed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, the Olowu of Kuta, has reaffirmed that Owu chieftaincy titles are not for sale but reserved for individuals who have earned them through merit and service.
Oba Makama made this statement on Tuesday at his palace in Kuta during the conferment of chieftaincy titles on two distinguished personalities: 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 bestowed with the title of Otun Balogun-Agba of Owu-Kuta, symbolizing his role as the “Right Hand Man” to the Balogun-Agba of Owu-Kuta.
Princess Amani received the title of Erelu Fiwagboye of Owu-Kuta, recognizing her potential contributions to community development in the kingdom.
Oba Makama also lauded former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai (rtd.), for his continued support of Owu-Kuta. Gen. Buratai, who had previously been honored as Balogun-Agba of Owu-Kuta, accompanied the honorees to the ceremony.
In his remarks, Gen. Buratai highlighted his long-standing friendship with Gen. Mukomani, dating back to their time at the War College in Bangladesh. He expressed confidence in Mukomani’s leadership qualities, predicting a bright future for him in Botswana’s political landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the newly installed chiefs, Otun Balogun-Agba Gen. Mukomani expressed gratitude for the recognition, pledging to promote Yoruba culture 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 an example for the rest of Africa.”
The event attracted prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries, including Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila; Oba Hakeem Ogungbangbe, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa; Oba Kamorudeen Obaloyan; Lt. Gen. Rasaki Adeosun; and Oba Moses Agunsoye, the Elebura of Ijebu-Ijesa, among others.
