•FG, eminent Nigerians endorse Gani Adams, as coronation holds Jan 13
By Tope Adeboboye
On Saturday, January 13 next year, Oyo, the historic capital of the defunct Yoruba Empire, would don a regal robe.
Traditional troubadours and minstrels will dance round the town. With the accompaniment of bata, dundun and gangan drums, they would sing praises of the current monarch and those of yesteryears, even as they render the panegyrics of past Kakanfos and other warriors. Thousands of gaily-attired men and women would later throng the Durbar Stadium in the city. And, there, in the presence of scores of royal fathers, men and women of means as well as the hoi polloi, the National Coordinator, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Ganiyu Abiodun Adams, would be enthroned as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba race.
The coronation would be performed by the revered ruler and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
Indeed, it has been a long interlude since the last Aare Ona Kakanfo, businessman and politician, Bashorun MKO Abiola, passed on in July 1998. For 19 years, Yorubaland, has been without a traditional war commander.
Already, Daily Sun learnt, the city of Oyo is being prepared for the historic ceremony. Virtually all the hotels in the town as well as those in nearby communities have been reserved for the array of dignitaries expected at the event. Venue of the event, and other places in the town where the mandatory pre-coronation traditional rites would take place, are also being rehabilitated, it was learnt.
It was gathered that local age groups in Oyo and other parts of Yorubaland are also making plans to be part of the event.
Invitation letters have also been despatched to hundreds of eminent personalities within and outside the country expected to be part of Adam’s installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo, believed to be the highest chieftaincy title in Yorubaland.
For years, many had wondered why no one had been appointed by the Alaafin to occupy the office of the highest war commander in Yorubaland two decades after the demise of the last occupant of the exalted office. In May this year, rumours were rife that the Iku Baba Yeye, as the Alaafin is known, had chosen the Arigidi Akoko-born Gani Adams as the new Kakanfo. The rumours were neither confirmed nor denied by either the monarch or the presumed recipient of the title. At the time, a number of traditional rulers, including the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun and the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, had told Daily Sun that Otunba Adams was quite deserving of the title. They commended the Alaafin for making the right choice.
But the proclamation would wait until October when Oba Adeyemi personally announced Adams as the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate.
In the proclamation letter, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Sun, the monarch described Gani Adams as a distinguished son of Oduduwa and a Yoruba man in whom there is no guile.
“He is equipped by God with the vitality of youth, the agility of the long distance runner, unblemished patriotism, and the wisdom of Solomon.
“His antecedents in the promotion of Yoruba culture are unquestionable and he has a clear vision of where the nation should be, in its cultural reawakening, both at home and overseas,” said the revered royal father.
He added: “Since his days in OPC, formed to defend Yoruba interests at a very critical period, at a time the Yoruba needed it most, he has been going all over the world, promoting the language and the tradition of Yoruba people through his OPU. He has been promoting our festivals through his Olokun Festival Foundation. All these made him the natural choice for the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo, the generalissimo of the Yoruba nation.”
Since the proclamation, the Alaafin’s choice has been met with a generally favourable reception. Even those with whom the Kakanfo-designate has had a long disagreement have lauded his choice.
Already, the federal government has endorsed the choice of Gani Adams for the much-coveted position.
The new Aare has also visited virtually all the major traditional rulers in Yorubaland to intimate them of his choice as Aare Ona Kakanfo.
At the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the monarch told Adams that he was the right man for the position, adding that his choice was a result of his antecedents as a fearless fighter for the emancipation of Yoruba interests by peaceful means. He described Adams as a warrior who has a big role to play in the emancipation and unity of his people.
Ondo Council of Obas, in a letter by their chairman and Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh described Adams as a remarkable Yoruba man who is passionate about the cause of the Yoruba, one that has been in the vanguard of fighting for the emancipation of the Yoruba nation and protecting her interest through peaceful means.”
Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole and dozens of other notable Yoruba monarchs across all the South West states and beyond have also endorsed the choice of the culture activist. Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Atta of Ebiraland, said he would be at the installation of the Aare-designate in Oyo on January 13, 2018.
Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Buhari recently paid a courtesy visit to the Aare-designate at the latter’s Omole Phase II residence in Lagos. During the visit, Ojudu delivered goodwill messages of the president and Vice President Osinbajo to the new Kakanfo.
Ojudu told Adams: “I’m here today to felicitate with you, and also to congratulate you on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on your new appointment and elevation as the Generalissimo of Yoruba race. There is no gainsaying the fact that you merit it. You deserve it. You are the best and the right choice. The presidency will be in Oyo to grace the historic event. You can count on our support.”
Eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, in his message to the Aare-designate, described Gani Adams as possessing gallant qualities and an exemplary leadership style.
Kalu said: “It is indeed a well-deserved honour. You have over the years, demonstrated patriotism in your pursuits and as such your contributions to the socio-political development of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large are remarkable.
“While urging you to use your new position to promote peace and unity in Nigeria, I wish you a successful reign as the Field Marshal of Yorubaland.”
Former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his message to the new Aare, noted: “With this, you have joined the elite rank of generalissimos in Yorubaland. You have a heart of steel. You have never left anyone in doubt about your resolve and readiness to fight for and defend the interest of Yoruba race. You come with an extra youth, vigour and vitality, which would be an added advantage. I rejoice with you and wish you well as you assume this leadership mantle and forge ahead in the service of our people.”
Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose also described Adams as well deserving of the title. His words: “The title of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland is for that bold, courageous, exemplary man who burns with the zeal to defend our land and protect her interest. All these are not lacking in the character of Otunba Gani Adams.”
Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), while lauding Adams’ choice, noted: “This is a rare honour attesting to your bravery and broad minded commitment to Yoruba nationalism. You have, in the last two decades, carved a niche for yourself as a courageous advocate of cultural renaissance and a front line defender of the interest of your people.
“Having come this far in your career as cultural revivalist and a leader of the famous Oodua Peoples Congress, no one was surprised that you have been so honoured. It is our fervent prayers that God will give you the wisdom to succeed in your huge historic task of fostering unity, upholding integrity and development of Oduduwa sons and daughters.”
Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki said Adams undoubtedly deserved the honour based on his sterling leadership qualities exhibited as the OPC leader. He added that Adams’ antecedents as an advocate of the Yoruba people and his commitment to the promotion of his people’s cultural heritage must have contributed immensely to his nomination as the holder of the most prestigious war title in the ethnic nationality.
“As the new Generalissimo of Yorubaland, I urge you to see your elevation as a call to higher service to humanity and in defence of the fundamental rights and unity of the Yoruba nation,” the governor said.
Eminent businessman, Sir Adebutu Kessington said Gani Adams should continue to work for the progress and development of the Yoruba race.
In her message, Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson noted: “Your choice was not by happenstance, rather, it is an attestation to your sterling qualities and your contributions to the growth and development of Yorubaland. I have no doubt in my mind that you will make the best use of the office and live up to the expectations of our Imperial Majesty and the good people of Yoruba land.”