Osun Monarchs Laud Buratai over Plans to Complete 70-year-old Bridge

Traditional rulers in Iwo and Ede federal constituencies of Osun State at the last weekend lauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, for his plan to complete a 70 years old bridge that linked Kuta and Ede in the state.

The monarchs, who led the 12 members engineer from the Nigeria Army to the bridge at the boundary of Kuta and Ede, commended the army chief for his developmental move to further cement the relationship between the two communities.

Speaking with journalists in his palace after the tour of the boundary area, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, the Olowu of Kuta land, said the bridge, which linked the two communities, was started by the forefathers of the two communities through contribution among themselves.

The monarch, who disclosed that he had sent a compassionate appeal on behalf of the people of the two communities to the Nigeria Army, stated that the visit of the engineers from the military zone is a good omen.

He said the completion of the bridge would not only boost the economy of Ede and Kuta, but would also increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Osun State.

According to him, "If the bridge is done, the economy impact cannot be over-emphasised. The IGR of the state will also improve because human and goods could be moved easily.

"Our forefathers who started the bridge knew the economic importance before embarking on contributions among themselves. We thank the Chief of Army Staff for the move to complete the bridge. The military is not only fighting insurgency, it is opening up access road.

Also speaking, the Timi of Ede land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, lauded the army for the step to make 'unforgettable' history in the communities.

He assured them that the bridge would not cause any conflict between the two towns, stressing that it would further promote cordial relationship between them.

The monarch, who explained that the bridge has been the boundary between Ede and Kuta, noted that it would be impossible to have land dispute because there is no land to fight over.

He lauded Olowu Kuta for using the relationship he enjoys with the army chief to facilitate development that would be of benefit to the coming generation.

A representative-elect in Iwo federal constituency, Mr. Amobi Yinusa, explained that several attempts have been made with series of letters written to the federal government since the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but all to no avail.

He commended Oba Kuta for his intervention, noting that the bridge would be a benefit for not only Ede and Kuta, but all other communities in the area, including Iwo.