Alake commends Chief of Army Staff for fighting criminal gangs head on in Nigeria

By Sam Peters

*Oba Gbadebo and his Guest Major General Farouk Yahaya

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, Okukenu IV has given a pat on the back to the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Farouk Yahaya for his effort at eradicating terrorism and banditry in all parts of the country. 

Oba Adedotun Gbadebo while receiving the Chief of Army Staff and other high ranking officers of the Nigeria Army at the Ake Palace on Wednesday said Nigerians will not forget in a hurry the dogged fight the military put up in recent time to rid  the nation of criminally minded gangs that have been terrorizing it several years back.

The Paramount ruler of Egbaland said that Major General Yahaya had done  well since his appointment into office on the 27th of May, 2021 when he succeeded late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died on 21st of May, 2021. 

  Alake expressed delight at the rich profile of the CoAS, comparing his  Curriculum Vitae as akin to that of a Professor in a high ranking University. 

 The monarch said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Yahaya, as the Commander of the Military  should forge ahead in his resolve at ensuring peace and stability in all parts of the country. 

 Oba Gbadebo expressed confidence in the Chief of Army Staff, stating that ,"he was proud of him as he had demonstrated the will to surpass his predecessors" 

*Egba Chiefs that accompanied the Lake to receive the Chief of Army Staff.

Earlier on, the  Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen  Yahaya expressed delight in visiting Abeokuta, particularly  the Palace of the Alake of Egbaland .

The General described the Royal Father as a great mentor to all, stressing  that his presence at the 81 Division was for operational purposes.

He  added that he had also visited the Alake  to pay homage and respect. 

The CoAS described Oba Gbadebo as a father to all, adding that the Royal Father had consistently been a pillar of support to the Nigerian  Army. 

General Yahaya called for Alake’s full support in maintaining law and order, peace and security in the country, , stressing that “Alake’s support is required to maintain peace and security in the nation" 

 According to him, "the security and safety of lives and property should be considered as the business of everyone". 

Among the entourage of the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya,were Major Gen O. T. Akinjobi, Brigader Gen A. A. Adekoya, the Brigade Commander, Alamala barracks, Abeokuta and Gen D. I. Salihu, to mention a few.

 Egba eminent personalities  who were present during the visit include Oba Lawrence Odeyinka, Olu of Siun; Olu of Ajura; Olu of Tafin-Elect, Balogun Egba, Chief Sikirullah Atobatele, Osi Bode Mustapha, Seriki Tosin Fadare, Baagbimo Akanni Akinwale, Bantu Kehinde Sofenwa, Agbaakin Rasheed Raji, Baaroyin Layi Labode, Aaare Bobagunwa, Victor Adebayo and others.