Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, third right, cutting the tape to commission the Kuta – Ikoyi -Ede Osun Bridge on Monday September 14, 2020. He is flanked far right by Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai; Gen Alani Akinrinade rtd and Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude. Behind the Governor is the Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Afeez Adigun Badeji
By Banji Ayoola
Jubilation swept through Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede communities on Monday as Osun State Governor, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola and the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai commissioned the age long Osun Bridge which links Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede communities and the magnificent Olowu Palace.
It was an emotional situation when, at about 3.58 pm, a visibly happy Oyetola, supported by Buratai; the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude,Tegbosun the Third; Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Afeez Adigun Badeji, Akinmoyero Akinropo the Second and Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa the First; accompanied by other eminent dignitaries and many jubilant people of Kuta and Ikoyi; walked across the bridge for the first time ever since their forefathers’ settlement, to an ecstatic reception of their equally joyous Ede neighbours.
It was named Tukur Buratai Bailey Bridge after the COAS, who directed the Army Engineering Corps to complete the bridge.
The Army Band was on the bandstand beside the bridge rendering melodious tunes to the guests, many of them sons and daughters of Kuta and Ikoyi, wearing festive uniforms, who flooded the scene with numerous vehicles.
Oyetola, resplendent in a grey black agbada and cap to match, warmly greeted the people saying: “E ku oriire, eyin eeyan mi lat’Ede. E ku oriire o. oriire yin a kale o. Se’e ri nnkan t’Olorun se bayii? E se gbosa fun Chief of Army Staff.” (Congratulations, you, my people from Ede. May your good fortune last. Do you now see what the Lord has done?) Give special salutation to the Chief of Army Staff.) And the people, gleaming with joy in their festive attires, responded thunderously: “Gbosa! Gbosa! Gbosa!!!”
Also in his company among several other eminent dignitaries were the Oluwo of Iwo Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, other royal fathers, Gen Alani Akinrinade rtd, Gen Ekundayo Opaleye rtd, many army generals, top government officials and many Kuta and Ikoyi people in their festive attires.
While commissioning the bridge, Oyetola said: “The Chief of Army Staff, I must again thank you very much on behalf of our people for this wonderful gesture, demonstrated sincerity, demonstrated love.
“You demonstrated the fact that you are a Nigerian that is not bothered by tribal sentiments. We must thank you most sincerely for this opportunity. I don’t know how much I would have committed to this bridge to do it with our meager resources. You came in at the right time.
“We must really thank you for this wonderful opportunity. We must commend you for all your efforts in combating insurgency in Nigeria. We know what you are doing. I must put on record your assistance during the COVID 19 problem when I was challenged by some members that came from Cote d’Ivoire; and it was getting tough for me to maintain security arrangement. And you responded immediately to ensure that you deployed some military men to assist us.
“I thank you most sincerely. What can we say than to thank the Almighty God for making today a reality? It is the work of God. And to Him be the glory.
“I want to ensure that we maintain this bridge and the road. We must continue to support government. We must continue to support the administration of our President. We must continue to support the Army for what they are doing for us.
“This is not a matter of security now but a matter of thinking of the commerce of our people. This would serve a lot of opportunities for commerce. You now have the opportunity to move your materials and resources from one end to the other. It is a unique opportunity.
“I believe it is going to boost commerce in our state, and even tourism that we are preaching we should always use as part of our economy. I am glad; I am happy that it has come at my time. There are a lot of things that would still come. (to which the crowd of people around him responded with ‘Amen!!!’) I thank you most sincerely and I wish you safe journey back. God bless you.”
Also, the Timi of Ede, using the Governor “as a stepping stone to greet our august visitor in making today a reality that we are cherishing,” praised Buratai saying: “ We want to thank the Almighty God for your life; and we pray that He will continue to be with you.
“The successes that we are after as far as this Boko Haram issue is concerned would be achieved by you In sha Allah.”
The royal father said: “We want to thank Gen Agboola, the Commander of Ede army formation and everybody that actually participated in making today a reality.
“The Executive Governor Sir, we thank God for your life; and we are thanking Him that it is during your own tenure that the bridge which links Kuta to Ede came into reality.
“Our forefathers had been planning all along to make today a reality. In fact the predecessor of my brother here (Olowu of Kuta) even went to former Pesident Olusegun Obasanjo so as to make sure that this bridge was constructed.
“He did all his best; and even he made sure that this bridge was included in the year 2,000 federal budget. But all things being equal, since God has ordained today, that is why you came in. We want to thank you for making this a reality.
“It is an opportunity that Ede and Kuta communities would ever think of forgetting in our lifetime. I thank my brother who was able to make his contact with you people to make today a reality. My brother, thank you. History will never forget you as history would never forget me also because our forefathers had laboured to make sure that today is a reality.
“We thank God. He will continue to bless the Nigerian Army and our amiable Governor. More successes will be achieved in your lifetime. Thank God for your life.”
The Deputy Governor,Mr Benedict Gboyega Alabi was there and many top army generals, officers and men including Army spokesman, Col Sakir Musa.
The roll call of the royal fathers in attendance led by the Ooni of Ife Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi who was represented by Oba Dr Adebisi Bayade, was so long.
There were the Olu of Ileogbo, Oba Abeeb Adetoyese Agbaje, Arowoookunjoye the Second; Olowu of Orile Owu, Oba Dauda Ajolola Akinfalabi; Oluwo of Iwo, Telu the first, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi; Oba Olufemi Ogunleye Towulade Akinade Owu, Abeokuta; Oba Kamorudeen Ajiboye Sanni, Olowu of Owu, Obaloyan, Kwara State; Ologburo of Ogburo, Oba Asimiyu Sodiq Agboluaje; Onigege of Gege, Oba Kazeem Adio Orioye, Oyediran thje Second; Onisaraa of Feesu, Oba Moshood Alamu Oparonke, Okere of Saki, Oba Olabisi Khalid , Onigboho of Igboho, Oba John Bolarinwa; ; Oori of Olori, Oba Musibau Akinloye Adebayo; Oloke of Obamoro, Oba Tajudeen Adewale Ayofe; Olubode of Bode Osi, Oba Abioye Nureni Oyewale, Ojo the Second; Ola of Ajagunlase, Oba Ismaila Gbadamosi, Fabunmi the third; Olowu of Owu Ile, Oba Mohammed Rji Kassim; Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olayiwola Olawale; Olu Olota of Ilota, Oba Adetunji Ipadeola Akano; Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Adekeye Oyedare; Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olatoyese Olaniyan; Aare of Ago Are, Oba Dr Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworola; Sabiganna of Iganna, Oba Saliu Oyemonla Azeez; Oloja of Agberiire; and Alara of Ara among others.
There were Senator Adelere Oriolowo; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Timothy Owoeye; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Wole Oyebanji; the publisher, Chief Abiola Ogundokun; Member House of Representatives, Hon Yunusa Akintola Amobi; Hon Taiwo Oluga; Hon Ogunkanmi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Charles Akinola; his deputy; Hon Binuyo; Ayedire Local Council Chairman, Otunba Aderboye Mukaila Oladejo; Olori Titilayo Lawal; Olori Omowumi Lawal; All Progressives Congress State chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Osun Police Commissioner, Mr Undie Adie; Assistant Commander General, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command; , Mr Oguntuase Adeyinka; Water Resources Commissioner, Dr Awudu Tadese Raheem; his counterpart for Special Duties, and Dr Olowogboyefa Oyelade among numerous others.
Earlier, amidst drumming, singing and dancing by a mammoth crowd of Kuta and Ikoyi sons and daughters and their guests together with the dignitaries, Buratai had commissioned the sprawling and glistening Olowu Palace where a chalet was named in his honour.
Pricess Aisha and Prince Adeyemi Oyelude with another sister Princess, presented the traditional kolanuts to the COAS and the governor.
Earlier, while addressing a large gathering of eminent guests at the ultra modern Olowu Palace, the Governor heartily welcomed all the eminent guests including the COAS, Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Army, Gen Lamidi Adeosun, and the leadership of the Nigerian Army to the state for the events.
He described a palace as the traditional, spiritual, administrative and legal headquarters of a community and the official residence of the Monarch in the Yoruba traditional set up; which communicates the essence and image of the community to the world, and represents the best that a community deserves and is proud of.
He said: “This new palace is designed and constructed to fulfill and meet these expectations. It is built to optimal standard and designed as a tourist destination. It was facilitated by the Olowu of Kuta with support by the State Government in line with our resolve to give traditional rulers the best and take care of their welfare. The Palace is a worthy replacement to the old one, which was destroyed by natural disaster a few years back.
“I thank the Olowu of Kuta for bequeathing this Palace to his people and for his tremendous roles not only in mobilising his people to support government policies and programmes but also for ensuring that peace and order reigns supreme in his domain.
“I express the deep gratitude of the Government and the good people of Osun in general and Kuta people in particular to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, for his special love and magnanimity to us as demonstrated in the donation of this bridge to Kuta by the Nigeria Army.
“Nigeria and the security world know Lt. Gen. Buratai as a fine gentleman and a gallant soldier. But to us in the State of Osun, he is a lot more than that. He is a kind-hearted officer and a friend of the State from across the Niger who exhibits the kernel of Omoluabi ethos – character, neighborliness, patriotism, and diligence – which Osun is noted for.
“Lt. Gen. Buratai’s uncommon display of brotherly love and magnanimity towards our illustrious son, Lt. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, portrays him as a true Nigerian and a shining example of the leadership and patriotism we require as a nation in dire search for unity and national integration.
“Lt. Gen. Buratai’s love, interest and support for Osun transcend today’s donations. When I contacted him for support when the exemplary security situation in the State was blighted by the raging security challenges in the nation last year, he gave maximum support to our security initiative, the gains of which we are enjoying today.
“Roads and bridges are crucial to the social-economic life and development of the people as they are harbingers of wealth.
“The construction of bridges in Kuta by the Nigerian Army speaks loud of the Army as a people-oriented organization which is resolved to foster cordial relationships as part of the non-kinetic operations designed to improve Army operations and restore peace to the nation.
“On our part, we have also embarked on massive construction of roads across the three Senatorial Districts in the State to improve the socio-economic lives of the people. We convoked an economic and investment summit last year to transform our economy and make Osun the economic and investment hub of the South West.
“Our policies and programmes are driven by our people’s demands. Our pact with them is to provide quality and equitable services in all the sectors of the State’s economy. In less than two years, our achievements bear eloquent testimony to this fact.
“To our people in Kuta, I urge you all to take maximum advantage of these facilities to improve on your economic activities.
“I urge the youths of Kuta and Osun State in general to see Kabiesi Olowu as a worthy model and emulate his leadership qualities. I would also urge them to toe the path of peace in the interest of our collective good.
“I invite our guests to enjoy the best of the peace and hospitality which Osun offers as they continue with their epochal visit to the State.
“Once again, I welcome Lt. Gen. Buratai, his entourage and our revered guests and thank them profusely for being a blessing to the people of Kuta in particular and the State of Osun in general.”
In his speech which he delivered extempore at the palace after its commissioning, Buratai expressed the deep gratitude to Oba Oyelude for being the most outstanding royal supporter of the military and particularly the Nigerian Army.
The COAS said: “He, the Olowu of Kuta is so wonderful. He doesn’t want any whispers against the Army. Any moment he reads on the social media anything against the Army, the next moment he is coming out in its defence. That was even before we met.
“And having seen the change in attitude in the Army, the way we carry out our operation and the follow up successes that we have achieved, he became very keen in knowing what is happening within all the theatres of operation; and he has followed also the activities of the COAS from day one.
“So he never wasted time in trying to reach me until he mustered all the ulamas as well as all those that he could muster. He was able to get in touch with me and since then our relationship has continued to wax stronger; and I am glad today that I am here in this beautiful palace, beautiful town, highly historic ancient city.
“From his address, we can see that Kuta is at the height of the Yoruba people. I love the great culture and of course the history as a historian of the great Kingdom of Yorubaland from the great Oduduwa and of course the various warriors, the Aare Ona Kakanfo and a host of other warriors that have really impacted in the courage and determination of who you have standing before you Gen Buratai.”
Noting Oba Oyelude’s support for the Army, Buratai said: “I never knew that he is an expert in stress management. It is now that I am seeing the impact because since I met him, all my stress has gone.
“He supports the Nigerian Army and he is also a mobiliser of public opinions, public perception management. This has contributed towards dousing the tension even within our officers and men.
“In the midst of so much criticisms, opposition, misunderstanding and of course so much mischief as well on the military especially the army, he has stood firmly behind the army and has called on several groups, civil society organizations; he has organised seminars to ensure that these wrong perceptions, mischief are completely removed and dispelled from the minds of the majority of Nigerians.
“So we really appreciate Your Majesty for this support and we would do as much as our powers conferring, by the Will of God, we would continue to support the great Owu people, Owu Kingdom and of course the great people of Kuta.”
He said: “If you study History, you would know what we have in the individual. When you read the exploits of war heroes, warriors, it would sink into you and you would try equally to make sure that that prowess, that dignity that is well known globally with the military profession, you carry it along. I am sure what we have today have attested that we have a new Army that is determined to be responsive and professional in the discharge of is constitutional roles.
“I feel highly honoured to be here, Your Majesty with the dedication of that chalet in my honour. The reception I received today is highly elating, overwhelming and I want to assure you that I would relocate as soon as I retire from service.
“I read history and also a number of literature and I have not come across any culture that is so rich, so beautiful like the Yoruba culture. I read this drama book by Ola Rotimi of blessed memory ‘The gods are not to blame.’ We saw the tragedy in that drama, King Adetutu and a host of other characters.
“And I have always dreamt of coming to see the land where three footpaths meet. If you have read that book, you would see all the various predictions that have come to pass. So I am pleased to be here to be part of this historic and highly revered culture and tradition.
“You have also a number of traditional rulers, royal majesties. You have the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi. He is a good friend. He is a well known individual across the country. I am pleased to associate with Your Royal Majesty and I always see Iwo and Owo along the axis towards Ondo State. Later I would do consultation to know the relationship. But generally they are all the great Oduduwa descendants.”
The COAS described the Nigerian Army Engineers is an institution that “has played very important roles in the infrastructural development of our country, and even economic development of our country.”
His words: “And we know the role played by the Nigerian Army engineers immediately after the civil war. Virtually all the roads in those days were constructed by the Nigerian Army engineers.
“They are professionals, experts and deliver quality results at very cheap costs. We have in our midst the Corps Commander of Army Engineers who is here with us, Major General Malu. He is the one that led the team from inception to completion of the bridge.
“We must give credit to the efforts of the past administrations that they made towards putting something in order to commission the bridge. When I directed the Corps Commander Engineers to come around to inspect, when he came he told me that there were already two pillars at the two ends. That means the work was given before, but was probably abandoned.
“He said the span of the river is very wide. It would need some additional intermediate pillars. So we did the calculation and that was where we intervened. But the materials, the Bailey Bridge materials we have them.
We also appreciate the previous administrations of the Nigerian Army that have made it possible for us to recover many of these Bailey Bridges to relocate them to this place to construct this bridge.
“We must appreciate Mr. President Commander in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting all our programmes and projects which made this bridge very possible.
“I am highly honoured by this great reception. Thank you. We want to appreciate you. It is my prayer that the Almighty Allah will grant my brother, my friend (Oba Oyelude) long life, good health and prosperity.
“All our Kabiesis, we pray that the unity that this bridge would bring about between the great people of Ede and Kuta would foster and continue to flourish and extend beyond Yorubaland across all parts of the country.”
Delivering a moving welcome address at his palace, Oba Oyelude described Buratai as an angel sent to reconnect Kuta to the world and liberate the historic town that formerly led nowhere , and free his people and those of Ikoyi and Ede from their age long frustration and disillusionment over the bridge which he said had perplexed his forefathers.
His words: “We live in an age when men of war are burning bridges and putting up isolation walls, but today, we are celebrating the building of a bridge by a General for the good of humanity.
“What we are doing here today is both historic and historical. It is historical because there is a very long history of hope, abortion of hope, disappointments and disillusionment behind the bridge we are commissioning today. I say today is historic because fulfillment came for us just when all hopes appeared lost.
“Today marks a new era in the history of Owu-Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede because the bridge we are about to commission is reconnecting not just our physical communities but, more importantly, the long lost chain that tied our spirits with those of our ancestors.”
Going down memory lane, the royal father said: “My forbearers started this agitation to have a link road between Kuta and Ede so as to strengthen our people’s social ties and boost their economic activities. But for more than a hundred years, they were on it, bogged down by one failure or the other.
“There were moments when their hopes were raised only to be tragically dashed from unexpected quarters. Several of our illustrious sons and daughters worked very hard to birth this dream of our fathers without success. It wasn’t that they were not patriotic or that they did not do enough. It was just that victory does not always go the way of the strongest nor the race to the swiftest.
“When I became the Olowu of Kuta some years ago, I made a covenant with God and with my ancestors to use every contact and connection I might have to advance the cause of Kuta. And that precisely I have been doing without looking back.
“It was the spirit behind the construction of the Olowu-Kuta palace which we are also commissioning today. The same spirit spurred me to seek help from General Buratai for the construction of the Osun bridge.
“My people say when fortune wants to smile on a man, his Maker (or what we call ori) will send an angel to him. I must state it here and now that the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai is that angel dispatched from heaven to free our town from being a cul de sac, a route leading nowhere, or what the Yoruba call oku’na.
“Let me put it on record that I got the nod and the official approval of the COAS for the bridge project in less than one day. He surprised me. God will continue to give him and all around him pleasant surprises.
“Today, I am proud to go to the rooftops to shout that we are the greatest beneficiary of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari through the Chief of Army Staff.
“It took us more than a hundred years to get this done! I dare say that a hundred years from now, sons and daughters of Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede and all our neighbours will remember a bridge-builder in Army uniform from Buratai in far away Borno State who, out of sheer love for me, for my people and for my state decided to use his office to get this done for Yorubaland.
“We will forever see General Buratai as part of us because he changed the course of our history, and, for the better, the narrative of our rural existence. We are forever grateful, Sir.
“The legendary Five-Star General Douglas MacArthur of the United States Army, during the Korean War of the 1950s sought permission to destroy the Yangtze bridge but he was given the go-ahead to destroy just a part of the bridge and he wondered aloud that “in my 50 years of military service, I have never learned how to bomb half a bridge.”
“I am happy to say here today that in Buratai, we have a General who does not destroy bridges, whether physical or metaphorical; whether a whole bridge or a half of it. General Buratai builds bridges across the country for the good of humanity.”
He said: “at the personal level, an Oba does not retire, therefore, he cannot talk about pensions. But I see this bridge as my interminable pension, a benefit from which my descendants and the whole of my community will continue to draw. General Buratai, officers and men of the Nigerian army, my people have asked me to tell you that you have, from this moment, become forever a valuable part of our community of grateful people.
“For my Governor, Omoluabi Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Oju ko nii ti yin laelae. You shall forever not be put to shame. If you call for assistance once, a million times will God and the whole of humanity answer you.
“I can’t thank you enough for your support, even for allowing me as a first class traditional ruler to roam freely in my advocacy and loud support for our military. Your Excellency, thank you. At no time did you say No as I traveled wide in my advocacy for the country and its fighting forces. You never told me “Kabiesi, that is not your role.”
“May God make your tenure as Governor to continue to be fruitful, purposeful and successful and be for the benefit of the whole of our state. This is happening at your own time, during your tenure. History has firmly put you on the throne of the fortunate. You are an oloriire.
“And for all our citizens, I invoke the spirit of Akindele Anlugbua – the founder of Kuta, my forefather, to continue to pray for us from wherever he is. We believe that the fact that this is happening today is a proof that his ancestral prayers for us have finally been answered.
“We also ask awon alale ki won maa su’re fun Gomina wa and for General Buratai. My ancestor, Alugbua was a warrior and coincidentally Buratai is also a warrior. There is obviously a meeting here of two intrepid spirits of service.
“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for having implicit confidence in General Buratai. It was his belief in the ability of General Buratai to act well that empowered him to do this for us. We are grateful.”
Oba Oyelude rallied support for the military saying: “I should not end this address without urging all Nigerians to keep faith with our army and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army under Lt. General Tukur Buratai has ever been ready to protect our territorial integrity and they are lawfully submissive to democratic authority. I urge all Nigerians irrespective of where we are or our political affiliations to continue to give support to our armed forces.
“They are the reason we call ourselves Nigerians today; our soldiers continue to pay the supreme sacrifice to make the country one. They need our prayers, they need our support and understanding to defeat the enemy.”
He said: “Once again, I thank the Governor and his team. I thank the COAS and his team. I thank Kabiesi Ooni ati gbogbo ori ade to wa nijoko. Kabiesi Ooni, it is not a coincidence that you are here today. Your predecessor, Ooni Sijuwade Olubuse II, was here and he rode in his Rolls Royce to the river bank.
“My predecessor, Oba Shittu Bamgbade, showed him the river and gaping hole in his heart to have the bridge built. He said “if this is the project your forefathers have been clamouring for, I will add my weight and seek assistance for you at the federal level.” But within that month, he joined his ancestors.
“Many people believed the bridge was jinxed. If there was truly a jinx, I am happy that Buratai has broken it!”
Kabiesi Ooni, you are today joining the Chief of Army Staff and Governor Oyetola to commission what your predecessor predicted would be done in my life time. Mo dupe Arole Oodua. May God continue to give you the wisdom to lead the Yoruba race.
“This Bailey Bridge, will showcase Kuta Kingdom as the hub for effective military advocacy. It will also evidence a strenuous and enduing experience of a hope, an idea, a goal and a promise; now made a reality. Indeed, it is a dream come true!
“Once again, we thank the Chief of Army Staff for approving the naming of the Bailey Bridge after “Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai’.
“To commemorate this special occasion as a worthy legacy, and sustain it as a hallmark of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Relations; we further seek the special consent to establish a structure that can display, promote and translate the memory of this great day into an annual advocacy event to be simply known as “BAILEY’, being an acronym for: Buratai-Army-Indigenes-Legacy-Edutainment-Yearly Event. (an educative military exhibition and exposition, with Owu cultural entertainment.)”
Oba Oyelude, who is also the Chairman of the Supreme Council of all Owu Obas in Nigeria said: “God bless all Kabiesis here.
“I thank all our Owu people home and abroad for remaining one indivisible family. Truly, Owu ni a ko ‘da. We are the foundation of Creation. I thank our security men and women for their diligence since the beginning of this landmark event. I appreciate members of the press for their understanding and support at all times.”
Also in his prepared speech obtained by The Radiance, the Onikoyi of Ikoyi said: “I thank the Almighty God for making today more historical in the life of every son and daughter of Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede communities and Osun State at large, because the dreams, efforts and aspirations of our fore fathers become a reality today. It is the grace and mercies of God that we all have been enjoying till today.”
He said: “The importance of Kuta-Ikoyi-Ede road cannot be over emphasized as the road will open windows of social and economic opportunities and shall fast track the movement of goods and services to other states in Nigeria.
“The bridge being commissioned today will accelerate the pace of human and economic developments, progress and foster human happiness through co-operation within our environment.
“We commend the efforts of Federal Government and the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammed Buhari and the Nigerian Army Head Quarters for this kind gesture of construction of the bridge across Osun River through Nigerian Army intervention programmes, thanks a lot.
“Our Community will continue to appreciatee His Excellency everywhere. We appreciate the Nigerian Army and in particular the inputs, efforts and commitment of the Chief of Army staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai in bringing to success the construction and commissioning of this historical project for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“We are happy to associate you with this land mark achievement in our own time. Your personal decency and integrity, your deep sense of commitment to public service provide hope for bright future of Nigeria.
“Efforts of the team of Engineers, Administrators and Technicians from Nigeria Army who worked days and nights to achieve the height of commissioning this bridge today are highly commendable. “
Oba Adigun said: “We appreciate Osun State Government and particularly the State Governor, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega oyetola who provided an enabling environment and support throughout the period of work in progress of Osun River Bridge.
“The efforts of the Kuta united Front President, Deacon Gboyega Adeniran is highly commendable. His high level of commitment and selfless services to the success of this historical project is recognized. I commend and appreciate the efforts and inputs of all committee members towards the success of today’s event. May God Almighty reward you all abundantly.
“The efforts and support of Ayedire Local Government Council and the chairman, Alhaji Mukaila Oladejo are highly noted and commendable till today, even for making the road relatively motorable. Hon. Yinusa Amobi ( House of Rep. member – Iwo Federal constituency is also commendable for his contributions.
“I appreciate efforts and contributions of all our sons and daughters home and abroad for their support and contributions.”
The Onikoyi said: “I sincerely appreciate the efforts and contributions of my brother, Olowu of Kuta, HRM OBA HAMMED ADEKUNLE OYELUDE MAKAMA TEGBOSUN 3 for facilitating the actualisation of the long dreams of our forefathers and meeting also the expectations of the present generation.
“You have in fact done very well. Gbogbo wa ni a o ri emi lo o. I give Kudos to all our past Obas in Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede for their past efforts and commitment on the road and the historical bridge over Osun River.
“HRM, OBA MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL, Laminisa 1, Timi of Ede, I appreciate you on your efforts on this project, as you anxiously await the commissioning of the bridge, I wish you better time on the throne.
“I therefore call on our people that we should be determined more than ever before to harness our home grown resources for the future development of our communities.
“I appeal to the Federal Government, and Osun State Government, and Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola in particular, to take-over the tarring of this road to make it motor- able very soon.
“We are also requesting for federal and state government presence – such as higher Institutions, location of operational base of government parastatals / agencies, agricultural projects etc. in our communities.”
Former President Obasanjo, who was unavoidably absent, sent his goodwill message through the President of Owu Royal Union, Gen Ekundayo Opaleye rtd.
Opaleye said that “Baba Former President Olusegun Obasanjo … said that he himself would be here today but because he is under the weather, there is no way he could make it.
“But he said I should make apologies to the kabiesis, chiefs and all of you; and would want to assure you that it is not COVID 19, that he is very sure it is malaria and that he would soon get over that.”
He said that Obasanjo sent words of commendation for the Nigerian Army under Buratai for the way the COAS has handled the issue of civil relations and professionalism “and we are seeing the result now. So I say kudos to you from Baba Obasanjo.”
Obasanjo, according to him, also “said that I should also salute the engineers and all the officers and men who worked on that bridge.”
He thanked the COAS for inviting him officially to the occasion noting gladly that “some of our dreams when we were in service are being fulfilled now.”
His words: “All those things we thought the engineers could do to help the society are coming to reality. Now the Army engineers can help us to live and move and blossom. Thank you for this wonderful way.”
Opaleye said: “I add my little voice to that of Baba Obasanjo and now say SAPA officers, you are well done that you have done this. It is gladdening to see some of our younger ones bringing into reality those wonderful things and the vision we had.”
He also delivered a goodwill message from the Royal Union of Owu people, who are in five states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Kwara.
“We put this in place to harness the good relationship between and among all of us particularly the economic relation and progressiveness within all our communities to bring about development, socioeconomic development.
In his address on behalf of Owu Kuta and Ikoyi communities, Prof Olatoye Ojo welcomed the dignitaries to the ancient town and particularly to “this most historic event of the commissioning of the bridge constructed over Osun River by the Nigerian Army under the able leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.”
Tracing the history of the bridge, he said: “From time immemorial, our forefathers from Kuta, Ikoyi and Ede Communities had appreciated the significance of transportation as a tool for economic development and emancipation of our area and the need for a motor able road to link these communities and open them up to the outside world.
“Unfortunately, Osun River along the envisaged Kuta-Ikoyi-Ede Road by our forefathers constituted a major obstacle which could only be overcome with construction of a bridge over it.
“A brief history of Kuta-Ikoyi-Ede road and Osun bridge is contained in another section of the programme of today’s event detailing some of the efforts of our people over the years to construct the bridge through communal efforts and appeal to governments at state and federal levels, all to no avail.”
Ojo said: “The Almighty God has raised His Royal Majesty, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III as His vessel to overcome the major obstacle of this Osun River bridge along Kuta-Ikoyi-Ede Road through the wonderful intervention of the Nigerian Army under the able leadership of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.
“I wish to stress the socio-economic significance of this project with respect to the unlocking of development potentials of this axis not only to Osun State but the entire country as a whole.
“The Kuta-Ikoyi-Ede axis as a development hub or corridor is served by Lagos – Kano rail line as well as the State of Osun International Airport. Accordingly, it enjoys road, rail and air transportation while ample water from Osun river is an additional impetus for development purposes.
“May I therefore use this opportunity to appeal to all prospective developers and investors in the public and private sectors of our economy to take advantage of the transport infrastructure available and the large expanse of fertile land along the Kuta-Ikoyi-Ede investment corridor and see this as a worthwhile investment destination.
“Having invested so much in this bridge project, I want to appeal to the Nigerian Army to kindly consider siting any of her Units that are deemed fit for this corridor. I want to extent same appeal to the Federal and State Governments.
“On behalf of our monarchs, sons and draughts of the host communities, we are very grateful to the Nigerian Army under Gen Buratai’s able leadership, the Federal Government and the Government of Osun State for facilitating the ultimate construction of the entire road.
“At the home front, I want to publicly acknowledge and appreciate the wonderful display of patriotic zeal by all sons and daughters of Owu-Kuta and Ikoyi Communities. Without doubt, your financial contributions to the hosting of today’s event have clearly shown that ‘Kuta and Ikoyi Titun’ have arrived.
“May God replenish our respective treasuries a trillion fold, Amen. I plead that we please kindly sustain the spirit of this patriotic zeal. The Central Working Committee and all sub-Committees of this went have done wonderfully well with pivotal role played by the President of Kuta United Front, Elder Adegboyega Adeniran.”
A brief history of the Kuta – Ikoyi – Ede Road and bridge as compiled by Prince Afiz Alimi and edited by Prof Olatoye Ojo showed that the journey to the construction of the road and bridge over Osun River started way back in 1948 to remove the lock down of the river on these neighbouring communities.
The document said that forefathers of the people at the Kuta-Ikoyi end used to farm up to River Osun with Ede at the other side of the river. Thus the inhabitants were denied economic, social and political interactions that could have been of great advantages to them.
However, during the reign of Oba Ademola Akinloye in Kuta, a bold step was taken to have the road and the bridge constructed. It was Late Prince Architect Oladejo Adedapo who suggested imposition of levies on individuals popularly tagged ‘Owo Olodo’ (Money for the construction of road and bridge over River Osun) with the mindset that governmental support could then after be sought for the project. He further opined that tollgate fees could be introduced on completion as a payback to the Community and the government.
Commendably, there were collaborative efforts Ede through a joint committee of Kuta and Ede that time.
The late Adedapo provided the link with late Col. Abdul Kareem Adisa (later Major General) as the then Military Governor of Oyo State who first listed the road as a priority project. It was later transferred to Osun State on the eve of its creation in 1991 and subsequently proposed in 1992.
It was inspected and approved as a World Bank Assisted Project on 19th May, 1993 during Governor Isiaka Adeleke’s Civilian administration.
On its sudden disappearance from the World Bank assisted project during the Military Administration of Anthony Udofia, the Kuta Umited Front, KUF constituted a task roce committee which responded appropriately with spirited efforts to rescue the community.
All concerted efforts by the late Oba Shittu Bamgbade to get the Federal Government to handle the constriction of the road then also failed. In2005, a bill of quantity was prepared for the construction of the road but still to no avail.
With the obsession of Kuta people on the construction of Kuta-Ede Road, and bridge, the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade was invited to Kuta on 22nd December, 2011 by Olowu Shittu Bamgbade.
The Arole Oduduwa and his entourage made up of several Obas visited Osun River on that day. It was to seek the Ooni’s support and for him to undertake a close assessment of the river’s nearness to Ede as well as the economic, social and political advantages that its construction would bestow on the neighbouring communities of Kuta, Ikoyi, Ede and Osun State in general.
The document noted: “When all hopes seemed lost on the construction of the road and bridge, Almighty God touched the sacred heart of Lt. General Buratai and the Nigerian Army, courtesy of the indefatigable efforts and passionate appeal of Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Hammed Adekunle Oyelude, Tegbosun III to answer our prayers by approving the construction of Bailey Bridge over river Osun on 12th April, 2019.
We glorify Almighty God that all those dreams of putting in place a link that would open-up our hitherto locked-up and lying fallow vast land for economic, industrial and educational exploits of both the state and the Federal Government of Nigeria have become a reality with the construction and commissioning of Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai Bailey Bridge today.
“We are
particularly grateful to Governor Gboyega Oyetola for His Excellency’s express
approval of the construction of the road which also facilitated its engineering
design by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to our delight.”
