…Reveal What They Miss About Late Agura Of Gbagura
CONDOLENCE LETTER
The sad news of the untimely demise of His Royal Highness, Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, Jamolu II, Agura of Gbagura which occurred on Thursday, 14th June, 2023 was received with a rude shock and a disturbing spirit. This sudden demise represents a colossal loss, not only to the Agura Kindom in particular, but also to the enitre Ogun State. I, therefore, on behalf of the Ogun State Government and the citizens of the Gateway State commiserate with you on this unexpected and saddening occurence.
During the lifetime of Kabiyeesi, the Traditional circle in Ogun State witnessed impactful development courtesy of Kabiyesi’s pivotal contributions both at the Egba Traditonal Council and particularly, at the Ogun State Council of Obas. In addition, Kabiyeesi’s leadership acumen, as the royal custodian of culture and tradition of the Agura Kingdom greatly and positvely influenced the sustenance of peace and tranquility in and within the Kingdom.
The shock and grief being experienced by the family at this sad period can only be imagined. There are no words that can properly express how heartbroken the State is for the unexpected passing unto great beyond of our beloved Agura.
–Gov. Dapo Abiodun
LETTER OF CONDOLENCE
The late Agura of Gbagura will be remembered as a patriot and custodian of our cultural and traditional values, who gave his best while on the throne of his forefathers. Even within the very short period of his impactful four years on the throne of his forefathers, our revered Oba brought his salutary influence to foster unity, solidarity, peace, understanding, faith and development in our common heritage among all Gbagura sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora. His style of leadership which was characterised by faireness to all, objectivity, moderation and a b urning commitment to the development of his community and the nation at large, had impacted most positively on the polity. It must also be acknowledged that his vigorous promotion of the educational development of the subjects as well as his vast knowledge of traditional administrative lore and culture will be greatly missed.
He also made important contributions to the progress of the nation in many other capacities. He left an indelible mark and epitomised the qualities of an eminent public servant who spared no efforts to ensure quality service delivery to the Nigerian public and the international community as a Customs Officer. He was hardworking, committed and dedicated in the discharge of his duties until his retirement.
–Olusegun Obasanjo
A TRIBUTE BY HIS MAJESTY
I write on behalf of the biahly teemed chie& and the good people of Oke-Ona Egbe, my family and I to commiserate with the Royal family. Council of Chief and the good people of Gbagura in Abeokuta and diaspora, on the recent demise of His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, Jamolu II, Agura of Gbagura, who passed on to glory on the 14th of June, 2023 at the age of 63 years having reigned for only four (4) years.
He was a highly successful and upcoming monarch per excellence. He was ready to transform the lives of the people of Gbagura but his early death has cut this short,- We take solace in God Almighty and appreciate Him for his life that was well spent. The foot print he has left as a Traditional Ruler and a Comptroller of Customs in Nigeria can never be forgotten in a hurry.
Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso
TRIBUTE TO TRUE FRIEND, BROTHER, PARTNER
My Dear Agura, It’s alright to miss you, And it’s alright to bid you goodbye. But know that I’ll never forget a dear friend and brother such as you. And I know this isn’t a permanent goodbye. You were a precious part of me and now you’re gone. Where you once dwelled, now there’s none. The bond we formed and tended with love. Fate has brought to a sudden halt. I miss you so much, you don’t have a due.
You left us far too soon, and now my heart is in two. But in my heart and soul your presence will endure forever. In gratitude for the time that we spent together. Though I can no longer see you, but you’re always in my heart. The memories you left behind, I shall always hold dear. I pray that Allah grants you the heaven you deserve. Where your life will start anew, in the garden of everiasting life.
With a deep sense of loss.
–HRM Oba Saka Matemilola
Oluyalo, Olowu of Owu
It is saddening and painful that Kaiyesi had to join is ancestors during this period, we e consoled that he recorded many positive impacts during his short but successful reign as the 9th Agura of Gbaguraland.
Throughout his reign. Oba Bakre radiated sterling qualities of a good leader, he was passionate about the Interest of his subjects and the all-round developments of Gbaguraland,
Senator Ibikunle Amosun
CONDOLENCE
His reign between 21st May, 2019 when he was installed and till Wednesday 14th June, 2023 when he joined his ancestors, his brought peace and harmony to Gbagura, Alayeluwa was known for his aspiration towards the development of hisdomain. Undoubtedly, he would be greatly missed by all.
Senator Gbenga Daniel
TRIBUTE FROM GBAGURA COUNCIL OF CHIEFS
Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre was considered to be suitable to be appointed as Agura of Gbagura and hence the Kingmakers considered as a very comfortable personality in all human endeavours in life, being unassuming, hence chosen by Kingmakers as the 9th Agura of Gbagura.
Late Oba Saburee Bakre had to voluntarily retired from the Nigeria Customs Service and was presented with the Staff of Office on Tuesday, 21st May, 2019 by Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
The Agura of Gbagura contributed his quota to the development of Gbagura Nation and Egbaland. He was a change and unifying agent who rallied members of the Egba Traditional Council to foster unity among members during his short reign.
During his reign as our Oba in Gbagura, he brought unity amonst the Sectional Obas, Chiefs and the Community at large.
He introduced Projects and Programmes that Gbagura people will never forget e.g. (1) He started Scholarship Awards to indigent Gbagura Students (2) He organsied daily Ramadan fast breaking and Prayers during Ramadan in the Palace for all and sundry. (3) He ensured the Digitalisation of Gbagura Palace. (4) He welcomed and accommodated Gbagura Indigenes in diaspora amongst others. The passage of Oba Saburee was therefore a collosal loss not only to Gbagura Nation but to entire Ogun State, as attested to by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, CON, Governor of Ogun State during the condolence visit to the Palace on 16th June, 2023.
Agura’s leadership style as a Royal Custodian of Gbagura CuIture and tradition positively Influenced the sustenance of peace and tranquility with the Gbagura Nation cannot be quantified.
Gbagura ation under his rulership witnessed all-round facelift and renovation of the old Agura Palace constructed by Gbagura Chiefs and Indigenes whose major sponsor of the project was late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola GCFR, the acclaimed winner of the June 1993, Presidential Election.
Kabiyesi also rejuvenated the annual Gbagura Festival Celebration through introduction of Durbar events with awards of prlzes In motor cars for winners and runners up. Kabiyesi facilitated the construction of Gbagura Health and Maternity Centre, in order to bring medical services to our people at grass roots, throu Chief Mrs Lola Abiola Edewor, daughter of late Chief MKO Abiola who is lyalode of Gbagura when she was the Executive Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Abuja.
–High Chief Olabode Mustapha
Osi Egbaland & Chairman, Agura Regency Council.
END OF A
GLORIOUS ERA
He was an embodiment of the Gbagura’s values of courage, candour, calmness, dignity, accommodating spirit and commitment to communal service. He served the nation diligently and meritoriously as a Customs Officer. His reign on the historic Agura stool may have been short, but it was very impactful. He rallied his people to record giant developmental strides, whilst deepening a proud heritage and extending the frontiers.
Olori and the children have been deprived of a loving husband and doting father, the Bakre family has lost a most prominent scion, the Gbagura Community is now without the Agura with passion and panache, and Egbaland has lost a unifying pillar and advocate of unity and solidarity. There is now a vacuum of a ranking member in the Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers. On a personal note, I have lost a friend and brother with whom I shared close affinity and relationship. He was a pillar of support in my journey to the Senate and I had looked forward to his continued wise counsel and encouragement in the discharge of my duties. I will sorely miss his friendship and the usual exchange of affectionate banters and nuggets of wisdom.
–Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu Ogun Central Senatorial
