The traditional ruler of the community where Brig. gen. Benjamin Adekunle hailed from, Oba Oladapo Oyediran, has called for recognition of the deceased by the Federal Government.
Ijeru is in Ogbomoso land.
Oba Oyediran, who is the Onpetu of Ijeruland made the call yesterday in an interview with reporters on the late civil war hero who died in Lagos Saturday morning.
The monarch disclosed that he had presented his request to the Federal Government, believing that it would receive a positive consideration,
He said: “One thing that I am asking for is that Benjamin Adekunle should be given a befitting burial, having contributed to the survival of Nigeria. In fact, he should be given a state burial. This is my own request and agitation.
“When I sent a text message to Dr. Reuben Abati (Special Adviser to the President on Media), informing him about the demise of our Benjamin Adekunle, I made it known to him that this man fought for the unity of this country; therefore the President should do something to honour him. I believe the President will do something.”
The traditional ruler who disclosed that the late gallant soldier was a prince in the town and the Asipa of Ogbomoso, described the deceased as a unique man who distinguished himself during the Nigerian civil war .
His words: “He made his name and mark in the civil war.
“According to what we read about him, he was so brilliant to the extent that we were told that he was the brain behind the capture of so many towns in the creeks, where others were afraid to embark on.
“He was sent to lead his Third Marine Commando and he performed brilliantly well. By that singular act, he launched himself into the history of Nigeria. This will remain indelible in the history of Nigeria.
“He was a hero that will forever be remembered in Nigeria. He believed in the unity of this country and fought for it, and he died for the unity of this country. He never compromised even up to the point of death.”
Oba Oyediran further disclosed that he had discussed with the family of the deceased, pointing out that he would be buried in Ogbomoso.
“As a traditional ruler, I expect his corpse to be buried in Ogbomoso. I have made that clear to the family. I will not compromise the stand. The corpse should be brought home for burial."
“He belonged to an Anglican sect. We all know the doctrine of the Anglicans that they don't bury the dead in the family compound. The sect prefers to bury the dead at the cemetery. But I don't know whether the church will wave it because of the personality involved.
“But wherever it will be, he should be buried in Ogbomoso. I have made that known to the family and they promised that they are working on it. I am expecting their feedback by the end of this week.”
ENDS
Sent from my iPad
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