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Tag: Aare Ona Kakanfo

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Build bridges across ethnic nationalities, Boroffice urges Adams

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: Build bridges across ethnic nationalities, Boroffice urges Adams

    The senator representing Ondo North, Professor Ajayi Boroffice OON has described the conferment of Otunba Ganiyu Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as great development.

    This was contained in a congratulatory press statement issued by Senator Boroffice, who doubles as the Asiwaju of Akoko Land, through his media aide, Kayode Fakuyi.

    “Otunba Ganiyu Adams is eminently qualified and highly suitable for the revered position of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    “The conferred honour is one which Otunba Ganiyu Adams earned through many years of selfless service to humanity, propagation and promotion of Yoruba culture and heritage, and particularly, the defence of core values and virtues of the Yoruba Nation.

    “On behalf of my family, the people of Akoko Land and the entire people of Ondo North senatorial district, I extend fraternal felicitation to the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo designate of Yorubaland.

    “In particular, the people of Akoko Land are delightful about the great development. It shows the Yoruba Nation has formally acknowledged and appreciated the immeasurable contributions of Otunba Ganiyu Adams towards upholding unity and sustenance of peace in Yoruba Land.

    “The 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo is urged to reinforce his efforts in relation to the unity, peace and progress of Yoruba Land. He should also build necessary bridges of accord and harmony across ethnic nationalities because the cooperation of all ethnic nationalities is essential for the actualisation of a great and prosperous Nigeria.

    “I wish the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo a long reign and outstanding tenure.”, the senator said.

  • Adams installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo on January 13

    Adams installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo on January 13

    The installation of the National Coordinator of Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba will hold on January 13, 2018.

    A statement by Adams’ Director of Media and Communication, Femi Adepoju, reads: “The palace of the Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has scheduled the installation of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo for January 13, 2018.”

    The statement said details of the installation programme would be announced later.

  • Still on myth of Aare Ona Kakanfo title

    SIR: Since the announcement of Otunba Gani Adams, the national coordinator of the Odua People’s Congress as the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, newspapers and other social media have been awash with different opinions on the institution of the Aare Ona Kakanfo, the generalissimo of the old Oyo empire, especially the myth surrounding the early or violent death that has been the lots of many of the occupants of the office, both in the days of yore or in contemporary times.

    As a matter of fact, historians are not left out of the debate on the reality or mythical nature of the curse of the Aare Ona Kakanfo. Majority are of the opinion that the violent or early death of Aare Ona Kakanfo is a myth and cannot be substantiated. This is the position of the eminent historian, Professor Banji Akintoye, an expert on Yoruba history.

    However, research into Oyo history shows that the curse of Aare Ona Kakanfo is real. Of the 14 Aare Ona Kakanfo thus far, not much was recorded about the first three occupants of the office. However, the fourth, Langbin, from Jabata, was beaten to death in Oyo Ile during Alaafin Abiodun’s reign in 1870s. Oyaabi, who followed him and led the revolt against Basorun Gaa and eliminated him could not have been saved from the curse because his town of Ajase has remained a shadow of itself since. The history of Afonja, the fifth Are is well known. Toyeje who succeeded Afonja died peacefully but, Oyo Empire was subordinated to Ilorin in his time as Aare. More so, Edun of Gbogun, a town under Ikoyi, was sacked by Ilorin forces under Emir Abdulsalam and Edun himself slain around 1826/1827. The story of Kurunmi is equally well known and need not be repeated here. Aburunmaku of Ogbomoso, who many thought died peacefully nearly ended the reign of Soun dynasty in Ogbomoso in 1868 due to a civil unrest instigated by him. In the same vein the exploit of Aare Latoosa of Ibadan aside his deviant posture, which led to the prolongation of the Kiriji war and eventual stalemate, were well documented by I.B Akinyele, in Iwe Itan Ibadan. The old man emphasized that the office was not a good one and prayed that no one from Ibadan should occupy the office again. In the contemporary period, although the office has become an honorary one and no military function is attached to it, and the office has equally lost most of its spiritual and diabolical efficacy or power that made it a death sentence; yet, as can be noticed in the history of the two last occupants of the office, late S. L. Akintola and late M. K. O. Abiola, the curse is for real.

    Chief Adams, although, not of Oyo Yoruba stock and the first outside Oyo Yoruba to occupy the office, (Abiola from Abeokuta has Oyo Yoruba blood), is qualified going by his patriotic zeal for the Yoruba cause and the corporate existence of the nation at large. Alaafin Adeyemi III has made a good choice in Gani Adams despite his nativity. Adams is nonetheless advised to steer clear of trouble, either socio-economic or politically induced. Once he is installed, he becomes an owner of a glass house, who must not throw a stone. He is wished a good luck in his new endeavour.

     

    • Adewuyi Adegbite,

    ayekooto05@gmail.com

     

  • January 13, 2018 date for Adams installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo

    January 13, 2018 date for Adams installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo

    The official installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th  Aare  Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland has been fixed for January 13, next year.

     The date was disclosed in a statement issued by  Femi Adepoju, the Director of Media And Communication to the Aare Designate.

     “The palace of the Alaafin Of Oyo, The Iku Babayeye Ikeji Orisa, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has scheduled  the installation ceremony  of the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo for the 13th of January 2018” the statement said.

    Details of the installation program would be announced later.

    Otunba Gani Adams was proclaimed the  15th Aare Ona kakanfo by the Alaafin on the 15th of October.

    Explaining the Choice of Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, said the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, was chosen after considering his antecedents as a Yorubaman who had exhibited passion for defending his people, their culture and tradition.

    READ ALSO: Aare Ona Kakanfo: I won’t die young, says Gani Adams

    The monarch said Adams was courageous and bold whenever he stepped forward to defend the Yoruba race.

     “The choice of Adams was well thought out before a decision was taken. He has shown enough charisma to deserve the honour.

     “If you have been observing him in the past many years, Adams attends all Yoruba festivals, irrespective of where they are held. He also promotes our culture through so many means including his annual Olokun festival.

     “I picked him because he loves the Yoruba race and all the culture and tradition of our people. He has contributed immensely to upholding them. Whenever he attends these festivals, he goes with a large entourage and financially, he is always responsible for the cost. He does not attend in order to benefit financially.

     “He may be young but he is also very bold and courageous. These are traits synonymous with an Aare Ona Kakanfo. Adams is a Yoruba cultural enthusiast. He defends the race anywhere he goes. Among his strengths is that he has strong supporters in every town in Yorubaland through his Oodua Peoples Congress

    “Money or material wealth is not considered before choosing an Are Ona Kakanfo. Abiola promoted everything that had to do with Yoruba race. He was popular among his people and he was close to traditional rulers. So, Adams may not be as rich as Abiola but I can tell you he has all the qualities an Aare Ona Kakanfo should possess. He leads an organisation that is ever ready to defend the cause of the Yoruba race. Is there any Yorubaman that has such clout as Adams without being a politician today?” Oba Adeyemi stated.

  • Adams is right choice for Aare Ona Kakanfo, says Ooni

    Adams is right choice for Aare Ona Kakanfo, says Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has urged the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yoruba, Otunba Gani Adams, to use his position to correct the wrongs among the race.

    The monarch described the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) national leader as the right choice for the position.

    Oba Ogunwusi spoke yesterday when Adams visited his palace at Ile-Ife in Osun State.

    Congratulating the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, the Ooni prayed to God to empower him to carry out his assignment for the Yoruba.

    He noted that his choice is the result of his antecedent as a fearless fighter for the emancipation of Yoruba interests through peaceful means.

    Stressing that partisan politics had destroyed many things, Oba Ogunwusi said Adams, being a warrior, has a big role to play in the emancipation and unity of his people.

    The monarch said this underscored the importance attached to the title.

    According to him, the title is not a social chieftaincy title but one with robust traditional background and expectations.

    In his prayer for the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Oba Ogunwusi said: “God will continue to uplift you.”

    The monarch noted that though Aare Ona Kakanfo is a warrior, the “war he has to wage this time is the war for the unity of Yoruba, which you have been propagating before and you should do more”.

    He said the Yoruba are front runners, adding that the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate should ensure the race remains a frontrunner.

    Oba Ogunwusi said: “The Aare Ona Kakanfo is deep and its importance known mainly to the elders. Use your tenure for good, embrace both the natives and strangers among us. Rely on God and He will help you.”

    Adams said he deliberately decided to make Ooni’s palace his first place of official visit since his proclamation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo because of the value he attached to Ile-Ife.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate noted that as a Yoruba man, the town holds his place of origin and cradle of Yoruba culture.

    He said the unity of the Yoruba race was paramount to him.

    Thanking the Ooni for his usual support, Adams sought the monarch’s support to enable him succeed in his assignment for the Yoruba race.

    He promised to further promote the Yoruba culture.

     

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: I won’t die young, says Gani Adams

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: I won’t die young, says Gani Adams

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, does not believe that taking the title may lead to his early death.

    The National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress told newsmen in Lagos yesterday  that not all those who held the position in the past died young as is being speculated.

    Adams is set to become the 15th Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland when installed.

    “Death belongs to God. Only God can decide and determine when anyone can die and until God decides, I will not die young as the defender of my people,” he said.

    “Aare title is highly spiritual and I have handed over my destiny and tenure to God. The position in the past meant that you have to continually fight wars to protect your people, and may be killed in the process, but that was before Nigeria became a sovereign nation.

    “The job in the modern era is limited in terms of physical defence because there are security apparatus to settle disputes. However, it has become a position to unify the Yoruba race, defend their interest and believe in their cause.”

    The 47-year-old leader of the OPC also put to rest speculations that he would dump the group following his new status, saying he would continue to oversee its activities.

    He said, “The OPC is my sweat. I will delegate some powers to some members to continue to run it while I oversee it.

    “The OPC gave birth to the Oodua Progressive Union which I have established in 78 countries to cater for the interest of Yoruba people in Diaspora.

    “I will continue to have a stake not only in the OPC but in all groups in Yorubaland. I intend to use my position to unify and strengthen all factionalised pressure and cultural groups in Yoruba land.”

    Adams added that in spite of his elevation to a higher office, he would continue to render selfless service to all Nigerians based on fairness and justice.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo said that the title was not too big a shoe for him to fit into.

    He said, “I have managed millions of people in Yorubaland. I began to fight for my people at a tender age of 29 years since 1999. I have never been in government. I have always fought for the Yorubas. I know the terrain of all Yoruba people and their culture. I only ask God for wisdom to unify my people more and see that there is unity, justice and fairness for and among my people.

    “This title is a reward from my people on the basis of honour and not salary.”

    On the issue of the true federalism, the OPC coordinator said that the difference between true federalism and restructuring was semantics.

    “I totally support either restructuring or true federalism because it would ensure equity and fairness for all Nigerians. We will continue to agitate for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

     

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Lawal felicitates with Gani Adams

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: Lawal felicitates with Gani Adams

    The National Chairman of APC Scandinavia and a Global Affairs Analyst, Ayoola Lawal on Friday join the league of Yoruba sons and daughters across the globe in congratulating the next Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams.
    The Global Affairs Analysts congratulates Otunba Adams as he joined the league of elites in the rank of generalissimos in Yorubaland.
    Indeed, history depicts that is the youngest person to ever attain such an esteem status in the history Yoruba as a race.
    Ayoola Lawal also congratulated and commended the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his unbiased wisdom in chosen a real warrior of proven records that is worthy of such honour and esteem position.
    Otunba Gani Adams selection as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo is a clear indication that not everything is still for sales and hard work and commitment to a cause is still of adorable virtues in Yorubaland.
    The APC Chief said: “Truth be told and bipartisan apart, Otunba Gani Adams is not an accidental Aare Onakakanfo because he paid the price upfront and in full scale.
    His indefatigable endeavours in fighting for the Yoruba race and promoting the Yoruba culture and heritage across the globe can’t be denied.”
  • Youths hail Aare Ona Kakanfo Adams

    Youths hail Aare Ona Kakanfo Adams

    The Council of Yoruba Youths has hailed the choice of Otunba Gani Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate.

    In a statement by its Coordinator Awa Bamiji, the council said: “Aare Ona Kakanfo is the Generalissimo in Yoruba land. As Grand Council of Yoruba Youths (Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba), it has been our headache that the vacuum left behind by the late Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola, the winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, remains unfilled over a decade after his demise. Every attempt to resolve this problem has proved abortive.

    “This new title, added to Otunda Gani Adams’ feathers, is a testimony to his ability and steadfastness in the promotion of Yoruba culture and traditions.