Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, to unite the Yoruba race all over the world for “racial global collaboration”.
The governor spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, when he hosted the Yoruba Generalissimo at the Government House.
Aregbesola noted that by choosing Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was apparently influenced by a divine vision to pick someone whose deeds, actions and steps had distinguished him as a man of heritage.
The governor said he was happy that Adams was selected for his experience as a street protester, a social crusader, a right activist and cultural revivalist.
“You underwent these stages in preparation for this heritage assignment,” Aregbesola Adams.
He added: “Your new assignment bestows on you the onerous responsibility of ensuring the unity and stability of the Yoruba race within the territory of Nigeria, interface with the Yoruba inside Africa continent and network the Yoruba in the Diaspora for global collaboration in the areas of cultural integration, skills development, mental enrichment and social interaction.”
Aregbesola advised Adams not to be perturbed by the common tale that the personage of the Aare Ona Kakanfo always die young.
He said: “The matter of life and death is within the exclusive domain of Allah, not of attachment to a title. There were many Aare Ona Kakanfo who were given the title at young age and lived long.
“Aare Ogabi became Aare Ona Kakanfo at a young age and lived long.”
The governor assured Adams of his support always.
He said: “As the Generalissimo of the Yoruba army, who is leading us into a new paradigm of inter-ethnic cultural understanding, inter-continental race relationship and fostering better relationships among the Yoruba, I want you to see me as a reliable partner and supporter of all worthy endeavours of yours, which can add value to the title.”
Aregbesola hailed Prince Segun Akanni, the Chief of Staff to the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate for remaining loyal to Adams since the time the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) was in the trenches.
Adams said he was paying a special visit to Aregbesola, who he said had been a reliable support and believer in the cause of OPC.
The Aaare Ona Kakanfo-designate recalled several acts of good deeds the governor had done him and the OPC.
He said: “I cannot and never forget your role as a bridge for the OPC and the government of Lagos State when you were the Commissioner for Works in Lagos State.
“I cannot, of course, forget that you were one of the very first very important personalities and prominent Yoruba leaders who visited me when I was detained in Abuja in 2006. I cannot estimate your moral and financial support for me and my organisation in the past, hence it is sensibly normal for me to come here personally, not only to invite you for the installation ceremony but to formally inform you of my selection as the 15th Are Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba.”
Adams also expressed gratitude to Deputy Governor Titilayo Laoye-Tomori for her loyalty to the governor and the people of Osun State.
He promised to live up to expectations by uniting the Yoruba race for global collaboration.