Author: The Nation

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams, has assured the police of his support in strengthening the security architecture in the Southwest geo-political zone.

Adams also pledged to consolidate on the confidence reposed in him by state governors in the Southwest and the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

Adams, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, at the weekend, commended the force for extending a hand of fellowship to the Oodua Peoples Congress, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group under his watch.

He noted that the partnership between the police and OPC was beginning to yield positive results, with other relevant groups coming on board as partners in progress.

Adams said he had received the nod of the Inspector General of Police on security matters within the Southwest axis, adding that efforts were underway to map out effective security modalities to fight insecurity in the states.

Part of the efforts, Adams said, was the convocation of the Southwest Security Stakeholders’ Group (SSSG), a meeting comprising all relevant security groups across southwest and the unveiling of a roadmap towards achieving set objectives.

Read Also: OPC lost over 2,500 lives during June 12 struggle, says Gani Adams

Adams said: “So far, we have made significant progress since the IGP had expressed the readiness of the police to work with OPC under my leadership. It is on this note that I said OPC and the Nigeria Police are partners in progress. We have started work in earnest and everybody can attest to the fact that our efforts are beginning to yield positive results.

“It is obvious that the rate of insecurity in the Southwest has reduced tremendously in the past few weeks. We have set the pace and the signs are there for everybody to see that we are ready to secure the Southwest and make the region safe for Nigerians.”

In his response, Muazu, noted that the foundation laid by his predecessors had helped in working out a synergy between the police and the people at the grassroots.

The Lagos police boss said: “In recent times, the spate of insecurity has taken the centre stage across the country. However, I want to assure you that we are committed to providing the best security to Lagosians. We are committed to making the state safe for residents, and in doing our job, we are ready to partner with individuals or groups that can help the police curb the spate of insecurity in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

”We all know that information dissemination is key at all times, and the police are in the best position to dissect the information gathered. So, I think Gani Adams’ visit is timely and a sign that things are taking good shape in the country.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is set to install a business magnate and Lagos socialite, Sir Adebutu Adebukunola Kessington, as the Odole Oodua.

The conferment of the chieftaincy title on Kessington, popularly called Dodondawa, is the first by Oba Ogunwusi since his ascension to the throne as the 51st Ooni about four years ago.

According to a statement by the Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the chieftaincy conferment will take place on October 19, 2019 at the Ile-Oodua, the Ooni’s palace, Ile-Ife.

The statement read in part: “The Odole is a special office, which works closely with the Ooni in rallying the descendants of Oduduwa wherever they are in the world for unity, peace and progress of the race. The Odole Oodua, a position once occupied by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and subsequently by Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, is a highly revered chieftaincy in Yorubaland, pioneered by the great Oranmiyan while he was still a prince of Ife.

“Oranmiyan served as a rallying point and stabilising force among the powerful empires within the expansive Oduduwa territory before becoming the Ooni in Ife, after his exploits which cut across Benin and Oyo kingdoms, where he established his royal dynasties which have been in existence till date.”

Read Also: Where is Ooni’s ex-wife, Olori Wuraola?

“Historically, the office has its roots in the remarkable roles played by the Oranmiyan, the great ruler of old Oyo and Benin kingdoms. Oranmiyan was virile, bold, adventurous, circumspect, dutiful and at the service of his other siblings. He stood as an effective link between them. It was his commitment to a united Oduduwa family that is referenced in the fragment of his panegyric, “akantunkansi or as’otuns’osi, akinn’ile akinl’ogun” (the great link to both sides, the brave both at home and at war).

“Even though both Benin and Oyo kingdoms were at a point most powerful domains within the expansive Oduduwa territory, Oranmiyan ensured that they never overran each other. Etymologically, “Odole” derives from the expression “odo ile Oodua” (the youth in the house of Oduduwa). It is a contraction of the expression adopted as a title to perpetuate the ideal of internal cohesion for which Oranmiyan stood in the Oodua family of the ancient days.

“The traditional title of the Odole of Ife has been retained as part of Ife’s social and political system and specially conferred on distinguished Oodua descendants, who in present times can replicate the roles played by the Oranmiyan.

The statement added: “In the contemporary history of the Oodua people, the late sage, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, who later held the title of Asiwaju Ile-Oodua, which has since been left unfilled till date, was the first to be honoured with the title after Oranmiyan. The second holder of the title was the late Chief G.O.K. Ajayi (SAN). Sir Adebutu Adebukunola Kessington is the third in the line.

“Like his predecessor, Sir Adebutu’s exemplary life achievements and awesome potentials for positive social transformation were a crucial factor in his consideration for the prestigious position. From a very humble background to a life of a successful businessman of national and international repute, a philanthropist of rare breed and a social reformer of distinction, Sir Adebutu has emerged as the most suitable candidate for the position. He hails from Iperu Remo in Ikene Local Government Area of Ogun state, Nigeria.

“The choice of Adebutu as the Odole Oodua is also in recognition of his philanthropy, positive contributions to human development, and promotion of our prestigious cultural values and traditions as descendants of Oduduwa. The Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation(KAAF) and the medical laboratory and Maternity Centre established in 2005 among other commitments to the service of the poor and other vulnerable people in the society attest to this.

“In line with the established process of filling such an important position, both the political and spiritual wings of Ile-Oodua have sought Sir Adebutu’s consent in this regard on behalf of the Ooni and he has presented his acceptance of the offer to the Arole Oodua’Olofin Adimula, the Ooni of Ife for final ratification.

“All the necessary rites attached to the installation are being observed ahead of the installation ceremony slated. The kings, the high chiefs (AGBA IFE) and chief priests (THE ISOROS) are atop of the coronation rites which will reach the climax on the eve of the event in October 2109.”