From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, yesterday, declared the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adam, as a rallying point in Yoruba land, saying he took a right decision with the appointment.
Adams is the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. His appointment came 18 years after the death of Chief MKO Abiola, the last holder of the title.
The monarch disclosed that he had received more than 570 commendation letters from within and outside Nigeria for the appointment.
He said: “I barely sleep again since I pronounced Otunba Gani Adams as the new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. I have been receiving phone calls and text messages from prominent sons and daughters from different parts of the world, commending me for my choice.”
“I have received over 570 appreciation letters from people. They are all commending me.
I thank God for guiding me to make a right choice, although, it was a journey of eighteen years.”
Oba Adeyemi stressed that Adams had become the symbol of Yoruba unity since his pronouncement as the new Aare Ona Kakanfo.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate also said he had received about 133 congratulatory letters from prominent Yoruba sons and daughters since he was proclaimed the next holder of the prestigious traditional title. He further told Alaafin that he had visited the Ooni of Ife, the Alake of Egbaland, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, the Oluwo of Iwo, saying they had thrown their weight behind him for the title.
Over 400 market women from Ondo North Senatorial District led by their President, Chief Bosede Giwa, yesterday, stormed the palace of Alaafin to express their appreciation for the appointment of Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo.