Gen Rufus Kupolati: Fond Memories Ten Years After

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It is great to be well born, greater still to be well taught and the greatest of all to have heeded to a high position in life, all these he was blessed with. He came; he saw; he conquered.

I am reminded by this words by Shakespeare – “The mighty are fallen”.

The news came like a strange rain that drops out of it season, a message so sadden that could not be told, the community remained silent as nobody could have believed the reality of such tragic incidence experience by the Ikoyi Obele people; his community; his people; his admirers. Nevertheless, man nature couldn’t withhold the feelings; the tears that had run in the heart of men, and as such, the environment continued to change in it atmosphere; birds stopped singing in the air; the sun became dark-a dark day and all I could see is a mourned community as tear became an ocean; the message could still not be told as no one to console the other. No long a time when the tears and feelings transformed into the word-Death, and what we could heard and noticed is an exit of a General; a symbol of humility; a lover of nature and culture; an intelligence and integrity per excellence and a perfect honest soldier man; General Rufus Modupe Kupolati; a three star army General who hailed from Ikoyi Obele, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State died in a ghastly motor accident along Lokoja – Abuja road on 25th of February 2005.

This message is not to remind us of the pain and feeling we had but to reflect on General Kupolati’s personality, achievable gentleman life style , devoted christian life, dedicated and diligent service as a military officer and to also have a glance at the post humus honours. Following his demise which was fresh in the memory and the message of the good deed which was flowing-heating the heart of men. At the funeral, it was noticed that the Kogi State Government had promised that Kupolati street in Lokoja will be renovated in his memory, the Anglican Diocese of Ijumu also created Rufus Kupolati Memorial Anglican Church to honour his commitment to the birth of the Diocese, but my question is where is the promise made to Kupolati in Kogi State today and how has friends and associates have committed themselves to the growth of the Church named after him.

Its widely acceptable that the role of Gen. Kupolati in the creation of Kogi state and Ijumu respectively cannot be over emphasized. However, I may affirm that his stated roles have not been rewarded; it will be on note that Kogi State Government has not deemed it fit to upgrade the royal stool of his Community (Ikoyi) to at least a third class grade traditional stool which in history it was a second class graded stool in the old Kabba Province. Let me also say that Ikoyi/Iffe Ward was denied the existing zoning of political elective office i.e the House of Representatives seat which was suppose to be directly zone to the ward was denied inspite his role in the creation of Ijumu Local Government in Kogi State.

Beside, I wouldn’t want to register my concern and conclude this way that his community and people has been ill-treated by Government of Kogi State and Ijumu Local Government. However, improvement can still be made.

Appeal: I hereby appeals and recommends that Gen. Rufus Kupolati needs to be immortalize by the Kogi State Government so that it will be a reminder of his good role played towards achieved ‘Kogi State’.

Rest in peace- General Rufus Modupe Kupolati

FAJIMOKUN, Ayorinde J.

Fajimokunayorindejerry@yahoo.com


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