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Tag: Aare Ona Kakanfo

  • Alaafin, Aare Ona Kakanfo say Yoruba unity sacrosanct

    Alaafin, Aare Ona Kakanfo say Yoruba unity sacrosanct

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams have said that the unity among Yoruba is  sacrosanct.

    They spoke  on Saturday in Oyo after Gani Adams installation  as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    Adams was installed  19 years after the demise of the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo, the businessman and politician Chief MKO Abiola.

    The traditional rites were performed on Adams by the Alaafin before he was installed as the Aare Ona Kakanfo

    Adeyemi said that disunity among Yoruba sons and daughters must be discouraged, saying it has affected the race a lot.

    The monarch, who tasked Adams to ensure unity among the Yoruba, has said he picked him because Adams loves the Yoruba race, its culture and tradition.

    “He has contributed immensely to upholding them. He has shown enough charisma to deserve the honour. He may be young but he is very bold and courageous.

    “Gani Adams is a cultural enthusiast who projects and defends our race wherever he goes. These are traits synonymous with an Aare Ona Kakanfo,’’ the monarch said.

    Adeyemi dismissed insinuations that occupiers of the position die young, adding that they have invoked the spirit of the ancestors to grant him long life and the race unity.

    According to him, “I have installed two Aare Ona Kakanfos as the Alaafin and I don’t want to install another before I join my ancestors.

    Adams stated that he was not pleased with the level of unity in Yoruba land, pledging that he would do more as a bridge-builder.

    Adams called on the south-west governors to unite for the advancement of Yoruba irrespective of their political affiliations.

    “It is 558 years ago that the first Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Kokorogengen of Iwoye was installed. I know that so much is expected of me.

    “My appointment is a challenge, considering the power and glamour brought to the position by the 13th and I4th occupiers, Late Chief S. L. Akintola and Late Chief MKO Abiola respectively.

    “I consider myself lucky because there was no war ravaging the Yoruba nation now, except the gradual extinction of Yoruba culture and values which must be urgently protected and preserved,’’ he said.

    He called on the federal government to ensure good road and rail network as well as electricity  to boost the tourism potentials of the country like it operated in some countries.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo thanked  President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara for their support.

    “I want to assure you all that I will not disappoint you on my new role. I will establish Aare Ona Kakanfo Foundation and website for the projection of Yoruba culture and values.

    “I will give scholarships to Yoruba children to aid their education because education is light. I promise to preserve and protect Yoruba culture and values,’’ he said.

    He pledged to work with traditional rulers and leaders across Yoruba land to foster the desired unity.

    Earlier, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, Chairman, Committee for the Installation of Aare Ona Kakanfo said that there was need for the constitution of ‘The Kakanfo Directorate Council’ made up eminent and credible Yoruba leaders.

    “This would assist the Kakanfo to successfully tackle the issues of peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic nationalities, religious tolerance, national reorientation and civic responsibility.

    “It will also help him on South-west integration, re-invigoration of the pride of place of Yoruba language and culture as well as other pressing issues,’’ he said.Adams, while performing the traditional rites used 15 calabashes to pray for unity and peace for Yoruba race and Nigeria.

    The calabashes used belonged to 14 former Aare Ona Kakanfo and his own calabash

    The event was attended by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, eminent Nigerians across political divides, Yoruba Socio-cultural groups and a host of well wishers. (NAN)

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: ‘Gani Adams picked from many applicants’

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: ‘Gani Adams picked from many applicants’

    CHAIRMAN of the Central Planning Committee of Aare Ona Kakanfo Installation, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, has said the National Coordinator of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, was picked from scores of applicants.

    Adams will be installed tomorrow as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba at Durbar Stadium in Oyo town.

    Ladigbolu said the applicants from various parts of Yoruba land cut across the socio-economic strata.

    The cleric spoke at a media briefing organised by the Oyo State government at the Ministry of Information in Ibadan,  the capital.

    The conference, which was meant to intimate the public of the programmes, was attended by Chairman of the Interstate Planning Committee, who doubles as the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mr. Bimbo Kolade; his Ondo State counterpart, Alhaji Ismaila Olurimisi, as well as Mr. Bisi Odewumi (Osun); Special Adviser to Otuba Gani Adams on Events and Strategy Mr. Femi Davies; the Olokun Culture Foundation Ambassador, also a popular Yoruba Nollywood star, Mr. Yomi Fash-Lanso and Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Community Relations Alhaji Abidemi Siyanbade.

    Others are: a representative of the Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Akinade Yussuf, the Alapinni of Oyo town and the Bashorun of the town.

    Ladigbolu said the Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II, made the right choice by pronouncing Adams the Aare, 20 years after the demise of the last occupant, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, on July 7, 1998.

    The cleric noted that the intelligence and wisdom of his forefathers gave the prerogative, right and power to the Alaafin to appoint and choose Adams of the scores of people who wanted to occupy the position.

    He said: “There were many people who wanted the position. People from different parts of Yoruba land craved, sorted and applied for the position, mostly men from the high, the middle and the low cadres of the society. But when the Alaafin was ready, he made a choice which everyone could attest to as the right one.

    “It is not an honorary or ceremonial but a functional title from the beginning. If you are wondering why we need to have an Aare Ona Kakanfo now, you would agree with me that there are invasions on our territory by foreign ideas, foreign cultures. In all these, if we do not guide our territory properly as Yoruba, it might lead to total collapse of our territorial heritage and valued cultures.

    “We need a Kakanfo to give a clear direction and protect the territory from incursion and invaders. He will work with all Yoruba leaders and protect the integrity and Yoruba values from marauding cultures that are ravaging our territory. The emergence of a new Kakanfo will foster unity and oneness of Yoruba people and cultural values. The position has changed from being a warlord to that of leadership since the era of the former Premier of defunct Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.”

    Ladigbolu said the installation would be the official presentation of the Aare Ona Kakanfo to the public after completion of his three-day seclusion.

    The Kakanfo was received in Oyo town and led into seclusion by Ladigbolu on Wednesday.

    The cleric dismissed the insinuation that former holders of the title did not have short reigns, as being speculated.

    He said the position, by antecedent, was not for the highest bidder though required sound might and spiritual profundity for the occupant to fight for the interest of the Yoruba race.

    Davies said activities to make the event live up to expectation in promoting the Yoruba culture is the inclusion of a cultural event and an all-night musical jamboree today at the Methodist Primary School in Oyo town.

  • Agenda for the new Aare Ona Kakanfo

    SIR: After tomorrow, the glamour, colour, as well as funfare expected to be associated with the installation of Gani Adams as the new Aare Ona Kakanfo would have been over and the new generallissimo of Yorubas expected to settle down fully into office. At age 48, Gani Adams is the youngest in history to assume the office of Kakanfo. Congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (CFR, D.Litt, LLD, JP) for identifying and selecting Adams for the exalted office.

    As the 15th office holder, the new Aare is stepping into the shoes earlier worn by the likes of legendary and courageous warrior, Afonja of Ilorin.

    Suffice to remind the new Kakanfo that the demands of the office is quite enormous as he is now the rallying point of the Yoruba race both at home and in diaspora. The Yorubas are quite a proud people, very demanding, highly sophisticated, sufficiently educated, enormously gifted with amazing entrepreneurial skills and with rich cultures, traditions and beliefs. These are the human creations that the new Kakanfo is to provide leadership for. These are the people Gani Adams is expected to be the rallying point for. The new Aare is fully now in the public glare with the new office. Although, he sufficiently fits into this office having been defender of Yoruba cause for so many years and having led the OPC severally in the past to repel attacks against the Yorubas as well as being an Icon of Yoruba culture and traditions, but, times have changed.

    The wars terrorizing the Yoruba race, just like any other ethnic groups across the nation, in these contemporary times, are war of poverty, hunger and that of unemployment, as well as that of despair. The teeming youths of the region are also battling with social vices. Today, many of them have opted for adventures in high profile kidnappings, drug peddling, rituals, prostitutions, 419 as well as cultism for means of livelihood. These are the new malaise that must be repelled with all might.

    These are the new areas that, frantic efforts must be deployed. Its therefore goes to say that the new Aare, in addition with his innate talents of courage, boldness, resourcefulness and spiritual skills, must start cultivating spirit of entrepreneurship, interfacing with business community both at home and abroad, developing and interacting with industrialized countries across the globe like China, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, Hongkong, as well those countries that have proven record of huge success in agricultural sector. He also must be visionary and have a world view of issues relating to economic, socio-political, technological as well as cultural fronts. To achieve these, Aare obviously needs around him, resourceful teams of patriotic Yorubas, selfless individuals, exposed and educated personalities, dedicated and highly spirited souls, who are prepared to share his vision and mission to steer the ship of Yoruba nation and transform the race.

    We therefore expect governments of the southwest to rise in support of Aare Gani Adams. Their support would essentially be in the area of logistics. This may include provision of security apparatus from time to time. The support also includes assistance in providing resources for his movement within and outside the country. Traditionally, Aare Ona Kakanfo is forbidden to dwell in the same location with Alaafin, so, his dwelling place must be outside Oyo Kingdom. Against this backdrop, the Yorubas expect the government of southwest states to collaborate together in providing befitting office somewhere in Ibadan, the headquarters of Yoruba politics for Aare Gani Adams and his team.

    We wish Gani Adams successful tenure of office.

    • Kola Amzat (FCA)

    Lagos.

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo to promote Yoruba unity, cultural values- Chairman

    Aare Ona Kakanfo to promote Yoruba unity, cultural values- Chairman

    Chief Ayo Ladigbolu, the Chairman, Aare Ona Kakanfo Installation Central Planning Committee says the Aare Ona Kakanfo is expected to promote Yoruba unity and cultural values.

    He made this known in Ibadan on Thursday at a news briefing to herald the installation of Chief Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had on October 15, 2017 proclaimed Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

    He said the title was also expected to protect the Yoruba nation from incursion and to guide its value from erosion or extinction.

    “Aare Ona Kakanfo today must believe in the cause of the Yoruba and must be loyal to the Alaafin as well as all Yoruba Obas.

    “The position has changed from that of a warrior to one of leadership since the reign of the late Premier of Western region, Ladoke Akintola.

    “The Aare Ona Kakanfo position is a functional title and not ceremonial. The occupant is expected to protect Yoruba nation from incursion and values from erosion or extinction,’’ he said.

    He described as a fallacy, the mystical believe by many that occupants of the position do not live long and die mysteriously.

    Ladigbolu said the position was sought by many prominent Yoruba sons but Alaafin, reserved the power to appoint the occupant picked Adams.

    Read also: Between Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    “The choice of Adams was acceptable to the world. The position is not for the highest bidder.

    “It is one that comes with sound might and spiritual profundity reserved only for a person of substance who has fought for the interest of Yoruba race,’’ he said.

    He said the title was established in the 16th century by the then Alaafin Ajagbo, who appointed his war friend to direct the standing Oyo Army.

    Ladigbolu said Adams would be secluded on Friday morning after which he would return to the Alaafin’s palace at  4p.m. to undergo three stages of induction.

    Mr Bimbo Kolade, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters said the installation was an opportunity to celebrate the culture and values of Yoruba race.

    Kolade, who is the chairman of the State Installation Committee, described the title as a unified one across the Yoruba race.

    Prince Femi Davies, representative of Aare Ona Kakanfo said that efforts were on top gear to host a befitting installation ceremony starting from Friday.

    Davies said there would be cultural display at the Atiba Hall on Friday and a musical jamboree at Methodist Primary School, Oyo town.

    Adams will on Saturday become the new Aare Ona Kakanfo, 20 years after the demise of the last occupant, late Chief MKO Abiola, who died on July 7, 1998.

    Adams, who is presently in seclusion, will be installed on Saturday in the ancient town of Oyo where no fewer than 10,000 dignitaries across the globe are expected.

    The conference will be attended by High Chief Akinade Yusuf, Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, Agbaakin of Oyo and High Chief Rasheed Adewale, Alapini of Oyo.

    Others are Mr Toye Arulogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ismaila Oluranmisi, Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Mr Bisi Odewunmi, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters from Osun State.

    NAN

  • Obaseki greets Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate Adams

    Obaseki greets Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate Adams

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has sent goodwill messages to the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yoruba, Aare Gani Adams.

    The governor said Adams deserved the appointment because of the sterling leadership qualities he exhibited as the Coordinator of Odua People’s Congress (OPC).

    He said Adams had also been an advocate for the Yoruba and exhibited serious commitment to the promotion of the Yoruba cultural heritage through cultural awareness among the people.

    Obaseki said: “As the new Generalissimo of the Yoruba, 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.”

    Also, the Atta Ebira, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, congratulated the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate and confirmed his intention to attend the installation on January 13.

    In a letter he personally signed, the monarch said:  “I am highly delighted to know that by the will of Allah, the Merciful and Protector of all mankind, your dear people, the Yoruba people of grace and culture, intend to install you on January 13, 2018, as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, as instrumented by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (Iku Baba Yeye, Alase Ikeji Orisha).”

    He promised to reach out to the Alaafin about his pleasure to attend the occasion.

  • Between Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    Between Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    •In this piece, Tunde Olofintila explains that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, confers the titles of Aare Baamofin and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland on two eminent Yoruba leaders on merit and that both of them will work harmoniously to uplift the race.

    Tongues have been wagging and indeed, there has been babel of words, since Iku Baba Yeye, Alase, Igbakeji Orisa, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, named the O’odua People’s Congress, OPC, chieftain, Otunba Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare OnaKakanfo of Yorubaland.

    For those who may not know, Aare Ona Kakanfo is the Generalissimo of Yoruba race, Field Marshall for the vast Empire of the Alaafin, the portfolio held by the following, Afonja, the Founder of the modern day Ilorin, Obadoke Latosa of Ibadan, the tormentor of Efunsetan Aniwura, the last Premier of Western Region, Ladoke Akintola of Ogbomoso, and lately the late aristocratic business plutocrat, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, with effect from Saturday, January 14, 1988 when he was installed as the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo.

    While there has been a flood of congratulatory messages by well-meaning Yoruba sons and daughters to celebrate the nomination of Adams, others have been busy criticizing it on several grounds. Some have gone as far as suggesting the names of some other frontline Yoruba sons who they reason are more deserving of the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo.

    Such names include, but are not limited to the Awise Agbaye and former Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Wande Abimbola, the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd.) the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Aare Baamofin of the Yoruba nation and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD),  Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, and former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, as well as Human Rights Activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, to be the next Kakanfo.

    Others posited that there would be constant friction and acrimony between Babalola and Adams, the former having been installed the Aare Bamofin of Yorubaland on July 13, 2008. But all of this was laid to rest at the 1st South-West Stakeholders Summit put together by the South-West Patriots Movement (YPM) which took place in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

    Adams had come into the Cinema Hall of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL-venue of the Summit with his retinue of lieutenants while Babalola was already delivering his paper. Babalola paused and allowed Adams to settle down on his seat on the top table which was peopled by some leading lights and generational giants in the Yoruba nation. As if that was the opportunity he has been waiting for, Babalola quipped:

    “The Chairman, Ladies and gentlemen, I have been watching with keen attention the many questions being asked and the many comments being made about the nomination of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III”.

    He added:

    “The truth and the reality of the matter is that both of us are occupying different seats of honour in the Yoruba nation. He has been most deservedly nominated as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland while I had long been installed as the Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland. Whereas Otunba Gani Adams is the Generalissimo of Yoruba race, the Field Marshall for all descendants of Oduduwa,I am the Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland, the Generalissimo of Law, a title which was bestowed on me by the Alaafin in appreciation of my using the instrumentality of law to ensure that the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola was made the Are Ona Kakanfo”.

    Following the scheming machinations by Asipa and his cohorts to stall MKO’s installation as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Oba Adeyemi, Babalola’s long standing friend, confidant and client, contacted him in the afternoon of Tuesday the 10th January 1987 and briefed him that Asipa had filed an action supported with an exparte motion to restrain the installation of Abiola as the Are Ona Kakanfo. Babalola raced to Oyo High Court within one hour. He filed objections to the case. The case was heard on Wednesday and Thursday the 11th and 12th of January, 1987 and judgment delivered on Friday the 13th of January, 1987 in favour of Alaafin and Abiola. The intriguing thing about the case was that the Alaafin could not come to court to listen to the judgment because he didn’t know wither way the pendulum of justice would swing.

    After judgment was delivered in favour of the installation of Bashorun Abiola as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Babalola was carried shoulder-high from the court to the palace of the Alaafin where he met him in the company of his chiefs. The Alaafin hugged Babalola and in a rather emotional tone said that it was a case of conspiracy. That case, according to Babalola, was a milestone case and remains ever happy he won that case because only God knows what would have happened in Oyo and indeed Yorubaland if the reverse had been the case.

    The importance of the case was that as recent as July 22 this year, the whole process was reproduced beautifully in the blog of Onigegewura and titled “The Untold Story of how Abiola was nearly prevented from becoming the generalissimo”.

    No wonder, the Alaafin once had this to say about Babalola:”…He is a foremost legal luminary whose life is all about Law. When you engage him in intellectual discussions, you would see how deep and knowledgeable he is. He knows all that needs to be known in Law. His confidence is boosted by his competence”

    The Royalty added: “He is a diligent and brilliant scholar of Law, a hard working Jurist, a living encyclopedia of the rules of the court and a master of the techniques of legal rigmarole”.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo/Aare Baamofin controversy reminds one of what obtains in modern day administration of Ilorin Emirate. Whereas the Emir of Ilorin is the head, he has six lieutenants, Balogun Ajikobi, Balogun Alanamu, Balogun Gambari and Balogun Fulani and Mogaji Aare as well as  Babasale, who administer different parts of the Emirate and report to the Emir at the Centre. If there had been no frictions among the six lieutenants of the Emir of Ilorin in the administration of the Ilorin Emirate, there can’t be any between the Aare Ona Kakanfo and the Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland. Indeed, both will work harmoniously in furtherance of the good people of the Yoruba nation.

    •This piece, which was published yesterday, is being rerun due to a technical hitch.

  • Between Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    Between Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    •In this piece, Tunde Olofintila explains that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, offered the titles of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland on two eminent Yoruba leaders on merit and that both of them will work harmoniously to uplift the race

    Tongues have been wagging and indeed, there has been babel of words, since Iku Baba Yeye, Alase, Igbakeji Orisa, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, named the O’odua People’s Congress, OPC, chieftain, Otunba Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare OnaKakanfo of Yorubaland.

    For those who may not know, Aare Ona Kakanfo is the Generalissimo of Yoruba race, Field Marshall for the vast Empire of the Alaafin, the portfolio held by the following, Afonja, the Founder of the modern day Ilorin, Obadoke Latosa of Ibadan, the tormentor of Efunsetan Aniwura, the last Premier of Western Region, Ladoke Akintola of Ogbomoso, and lately the late aristocratic business plutocrat, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, with effect from Saturday, January 14, 1988 when he was installed as the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo.

    While there has been a flood of congratulatory messages by well-meaning Yoruba sons and daughters to celebrate the nomination of Adams, others have been busy criticizing it on several grounds. Some have gone as far as suggesting the names of some other frontline Yoruba sons who they reason are more deserving of the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo.

    Such names include, but are not limited to the Awise Agbaye and former Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Wande Abimbola, the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd.) the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Aare Baamofin of the Yoruba nation and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD),  Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, and former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, as well as Human Rights Activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, to be the next Kakanfo.

    Others posited that there would be constant friction and acrimony between Babalola and Adams, the former having been installed the Aare Bamofin of Yorubaland on July 13, 2008. But all of this was laid to rest at the 1st South-West Stakeholders Summit put together by the South-West Patriots Movement (YPM) which took place in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

    Adams had come into the Cinema Hall of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL-venue of the Summit with his retinue of lieutenants while Babalola was already delivering his paper. Babalola paused and allowed Adams to settle down on his seat on the top table which was peopled by some leading lights and generational giants in the Yoruba nation. As if that was the opportunity he has been waiting for, Babalola quipped:

    “The Chairman, Ladies and gentlemen, I have been watching with keen attention the many questions being asked and the many comments being made about the nomination of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III”.

    He added:

    “The truth and the reality of the matter is that both of us are occupying different seats of honour in the Yoruba nation. He has been most deservedly nominated as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland while I had long been installed as the Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland. Whereas Otunba Gani Adams is the Generalissimo of Yoruba race, the Field Marshall for all descendants of Oduduwa,I am the Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland, the Generalissimo of Law, a title which was bestowed on me by the Alaafin in appreciation of my using the instrumentality of law to ensure that the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola was made the Are Ona Kakanfo”.

    Following the scheming machinations by Asipa and his cohorts to stall MKO’s installation as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Oba Adeyemi, Babalola’s long standing friend, confidant and client, contacted him in the afternoon of Tuesday the 10th January 1987 and briefed him that Asipa had filed an action supported with an exparte motion to restrain the installation of Abiola as the Are Ona Kakanfo. Babalola raced to Oyo High Court within one hour. He filed objections to the case. The case was heard on Wednesday and Thursday the 11th and 12th of January, 1987 and judgment delivered on Friday the 13th of January, 1987 in favour of Alaafin and Abiola. The intriguing thing about the case was that the Alaafin could not come to court to listen to the judgment because he didn’t know wither way the pendulum of justice would swing.

    After judgment was delivered in favour of the installation of Bashorun Abiola as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Babalola was carried shoulder-high from the court to the palace of the Alaafin where he met him in the company of his chiefs. The Alaafin hugged Babalola and in a rather emotional tone said that it was a case of conspiracy. That case, according to Babalola, was a milestone case and remains ever happy he won that case because only God knows what would have happened in Oyo and indeed Yorubaland if the reverse had been the case.

    The importance of the case was that as recent as July 22 this year, the whole process was reproduced beautifully in the blog of Onigegewura and titled “The Untold Story of how Abiola was nearly prevented from becoming the generalissimo”.

    No wonder, the Alaafin once had this to say about Babalola:”…He is a foremost legal luminary whose life is all about Law. When you engage him in intellectual discussions, you would see how deep and knowledgeable he is. He knows all that needs to be known in Law. His confidence is boosted by his competence”

    The Royalty added: “He is a diligent and brilliant scholar of Law, a hard working Jurist, a living encyclopedia of the rules of the court and a master of the techniques of legal rigmarole”.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo/Aare Baamofin controversy reminds one of what obtains in modern day administration of Ilorin Emirate. Whereas the Emir of Ilorin is the head, he has six lieutenants, Balogun Ajikobi, Balogun Alanamu, Balogun Gambari and Balogun Fulani and Mogaji Aare as well as  Babasale, who administer different parts of the Emirate and report to the Emir at the Centre. If there had been no frictions among the six lieutenants of the Emir of Ilorin in the administration of the Ilorin Emirate, there can’t be any between the Aare Ona Kakanfo and the Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland. Indeed, both will work harmoniously in furtherance of the good people of the Yoruba nation.

  • I’ll collaborate with traditional rulers as Aare Ona Kakanfo – Gani Adams

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Otunba Gani Adams, has given insight into how he intends to function as the Yoruba Generalissimo. Speaking at the palace of Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole, at the weekend, Adams said  he intends to work with traditional rulers and others in the discharge of his duties.

    Adams, who said he is one of the people who played major roles in the fight for the enthronement of the democracy being enjoyed in the country today, added that nothing is too much for him to do for the sustainnance of the nation’s democratic process. He vowed do everything within his power to ensure this.

    The new Aare said he will use the advantages conferred on him by his new title to foster unity among the Yoruba people to enable progress because according to him little could be achieved in the face of disunity and injustice. Welcoming Adams to his palace, the Olu-Ilaro said he saw the visit as a great honour. He added that the Aare Ona Kakanfo title is for the entire Yoruba land.

    “Alaafin is a peculiar Oba to us in Ilaro and I want to use this opportunity to thank him for his choice of Gani Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo,” Oba Olugbenle said. Describing Gani Adams as a man of valour, the monarch added that he got a taste of Adams’ bravery at the last confab where they were both delegates.

     

  • Why I endorsed Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo, by Aromolaran

    The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, has urged the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, to use his new position as the Generalissimo to unite his Yoruba nation.

    The monarch gave reasons for supporting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, with the title.

    The 40th Owa Obokun Adimula spoke at the weekend at his palace when Adams visited him at Ilesa.

    Congratulating Adams on his recent proclamation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, the Owa Obokun said he was consulted by the Alaafin before a decision was taken on his choice.

    According to him, he has been hearing the name of Adams for a long time and has been an admirer though from a far.

    Oba Aromolaran said he had no problem endorsing Adams for the title when he was consulted.

    He said: “The Alaafin is very close to me; we are from the same mother. Among all the children of Olofin, it is just the two of us who are from the same mother. He naturally consults with me on issues.

    “So, when the issue of Aare Ona Kakanfo came up, agreeing with the choice of Gani Adams was very easy for me because I am always happy with him.

    “As an admirer, I am aware of the role he has been playing to move the Yoruba and the youths forward. Maturity is not about the physical age. Since he is doing well and has been able record visible achievements in moving Yoruba forward, I believe if further lifted up with the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo, he will be able to do more and we will be good for it as a race.”

    Oba Aromolaran, who marked his 80th birthday recently, said the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate should ensure “that the Yoruba speak in one voice so that other ethnic nationalities in the country will not rubbish us”.

    Adams thanked Oba Aromolaran for his support.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate said he was aware of his role to get the most prestigious war title in Yoruba land.

    He hailed the monarch for keeping alive the Yoruba culture, even as he lauded the traditional ruler for annually hosting the Iwude Festival.

  • Gani Adams: Why I ‘m qualified to be Aare Ona Kakanfo

    Gani Adams: Why I ‘m qualified to be Aare Ona Kakanfo

    Are Ona Kakanfo designate and National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress Otunba Gani Adams has said his passion for Yoruba culture earned him the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo) of Yorubaland title.

    Adams recalled that from the time of his activism in the late 90s till date, he has never failed to direct the pan-Yoruba organisation towards cultural mobilisation.

    Adams made the submission while addressing a crowd, comprising cultural enthusiasts, traditional rulers and OPC members at this year’s Olokun Festival.

    Adams said this year’s edition was significant because it coincided with the announcement by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the entire Oyomesi, that he be appointed as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    “What this implies is that whatever we do, for the sake of our culture, is noticed one way or the other; and the result is bound to come physically or spiritually. That’s why I wish to implore all of us in attendance to not only be the custodian of Yoruba culture, but also the promoter, so that the veil that has been used to blindfold our cultural eyes by propagators of foreign beliefs can be removed,” Adams said.

    The weeklong annual Olokun festival bankrolled by the Olokun Festival Foundation, which he initiated, the culture activist said, was part of the initiative to promote Yoruba culture, noting that it has transcended the worship of Olokun (goddess of the sea) to becoming a platform for cultural mobilisation.

    He added that the festival and other various cultural menus by the foundation have increased the consciousness on Yoruba culture among youths. “No doubt, the level of awareness of our youths regarding Yoruba culture today is obviously more than what it was when we came up with the idea of Olokun Foundation. We are not there yet; that’s why I’m imploring us to double our efforts in promoting our culture so that we can all be proud of bequeathing a legacy of sound culture to our children.”

    The festival featured activities, such as beach soccer, Olokun beauty pageant, boat regatta, ayo olopon and Olosa gala night, among others. During the festival, six Nollywood actors were named six cultural ambassadors of Olokun. They included Toyin Adegbola, Fathia Balogun, Doris Simeon, Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin), Remi Shita Bay and Lambert Dike.

    The new ambassadors, according to Adams, were chosen based on their track record, while observing that as entertainers, they are a strong voice in the society whose influences could be further explored to underscore the essence of the festival

    Similarly, the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, admonished all to be pan-Africanists by seeking indigenous solutions towards addressing challenges of the black continent. Speaking on the theme: Rethinking cultural pan-africanism for Africa’s reconstruction and development, Anikwe lamented that despite many years of independence, many African countries are yet to wriggle out of their predicaments simply because they don’t demonstrate enough cultural consciousness.

    “Perhaps with the exception of a handful of countries on the African continent, we are all witnesses to the fact that matters of culture are more often treated as second fiddle, if not the last to other sectors by our national governments. This is a clear demonstration that Africa has not gotten out from the realm of rhetorics to the implementation phase despite many years of independence.”

    More worrisome to Anikwe is that African education is also patterned to toe the line of Western education, along with the cultural neo-colonialism which has made Africa a permanent underdog as she demonstrates insatiable quest for consumption of foreign goods. “For instance, the Africanisation of western styles of dresses, using African fabrics is in itself, a laudable cultural pan africanism idea. This initiative would no doubt encourage the growth of indigenous textile industries, thereby growing our economy, as well as generating employment especially for youths. Same policies should be advocated for all sectors of our economy especially the creative industries and knowledge economy,” he said.