The Yoruba in Kwara State have appealed to the Aare-Ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, to carry them along in his quest to unite the Yoruba.
The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Atanda Sanni, and the Eleese of Igbaja, Oba Hammed Awunni Babalola, made the plea yesterday when Adams visited them.
Oba Sanni said: “Those of us in the West should not forget those of us here. We are Yoruba; don’t throw us away because we want to be carried along in the drive to unify the Yoruba and the promotion of its culture.”
The monarch, who said he does not speak the Hausa language, urged Adams to always remember he has people in Kwara State.
Oba Babalola, who said he migrated from Oyo, claimed to be from Ajiboro house in the ancient town of Oyo.
He thanked the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, for his decision to bestow the title on Adams.
They both wished Adams a successful reign as the generalissimo of Yoruba.
Adams, who also visited the Orangun of Ila, Offa and Ira, thanked the monarchs for their love and prayers. He urged traditional rulers to promote their native religion with zeal.
The generalissimo warned them against neglecting their primary responsibility as custodians of culture and tradition, saying “there are dire consequences for the neglect of our native tradition.
“Let us identify the differences between religion and tradition; let us practise Christianity and Islam, as well as our traditional religion moderately, without allowing one to affect the other.
“You should celebrate the relevant festivals in your communities as this will pave the way for your progress and that of your town.
“Marking these festivals does not prevent you from playing your roles in your churches and mosques, and even the traditional religion.”