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  • Adams: Nigeria ‘ll survive

    Adams: Nigeria ‘ll survive

    The Aare Ona-Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, has said Nigeria will be stronger, if justice and fairness form the basis of its existence.

    Addressing members of the Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM) and Yoruba Youths Council (YYC), who visited him at his residence in Lagos, said he would continue to stand for the unity of Yoruba without compromising principles.

    He explained that as the new Aare Ona-Kankanfo, a huge responsibility was placed on him, saying that it was a call to service the people.

    Adams added that it was a continuation of selflessness and sacrifice that had become his lot, to strengthen the position of the Yoruba nation.

    He urged the people to support him with suggestions and advices that would enhance the unity of the Yoruba people, stressing there was no person with monopoly of knowledge.

    He said: “We have lots to benefit from Yoruba land, but the only challenge we have is that we lack unity. I want to make it clear that one of my cardinal points in view of my position as the Aare Ona-Kankanfo is to unify the Yoruba race.

    “I thank God that the overwhelming supports and calls from well meaning Nigerians on my new position has been encouraging. It is a sign that we are going to blur the lines of disunity and make Yoruba take its rightful position in this entity called Nigeria.

    “I can assure you that I will not compromise the position of Yoruba race, no matter the pressure. I will continue to defend the cause of the Yoruba and the interest of Nigeria and its people. This is because no matter how you think of yourself, think of others.

    “For everything to work out well there must unity. I will continue to defend the cause of Yoruba and Nigeria on the basis of justice and fairness. No matter how you value your race, you need the cooperation of other races to grow and to transform into better beings,” he said.

    Speaking, the coordinator of YPM, Mr. Oladosu Oladipo, said Yoruba unity is not debatable, calling on all them to unite for the progress of the entire Southwest.

    He maintain that Adams was capable of providing a unifying platform to realize the oneness of the Yoruba race, noting that the Yorubas were one of the most sophisticated and knowledgeable people on the world stage.

    He said: “We are here to show our solidarity to the Aare Ona-Kankafo, Otunba Gani Adams and we pray that God give wisdom to do things that will promote the cause of Yoruba in the country.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • Use title to unite Yoruba, Ekiti OPC boss tells Adams

    Use title to unite Yoruba, Ekiti OPC boss tells Adams

    Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) leader in Ekiti State, Prince Adeniyi Adedipe, has urged the newly appointed Aare Ona Kakanfo, Otunba Gani Adams, to use his new status to work for the unity of all Yorubas.

    He hailed the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, forconsidering Adams worthy for the prestigious title describing the recipient as a “round peg in a round hole.”

    Adedipe, the Apase Oodua, described Adams as “as a courageous

    defender of the cause of the Yoruba all over the world who has paid a great price to keep the race united.”

    He also described Adams as “the chief promoter of Yoruba culture throughout the globe” saying his efforts have elevated the race’s culture and traditions to global acceptance.

    Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday through his Personal Assistant, Mr. Lateef Kamorudeen, Adedipe said Adams had over the years prepared himself for the new position by resisting attempts to deny the Yoruba of their rights anywhere in the world.

    Adedipe urged Adams to use his new status to unite all Yorubas and ensure they get what is due to them in the federation.

    He said: “I congratulate Otunba Gani Adams for being found worthy of the title of the Aare Ona Kakanfo. He is my leader, my mentor and an inspiration to those of us who are following his footsteps.

    “I also use this opportunity to thank all Yoruba Obas, especially the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi for considering Otunba Adams for this great honour.

    “The title of Aare Ona Kakanfo is a great one and it is reserved for men of valour and courage and Otunba Adams is one of them. He has been acting that role without knowing that he would one day be bestowed with the title.

    “Otunba Adams has been leading many battles for the Yoruba race and has been working with our Obas to ensure that we get what is due to us. I was privileged to have been part of his entourage to Obas’ palaces in pursuit of this noble assignment.

    “Otunba Adams has been promoting the Yoruba culture in all parts of the world and he has attracted global attention to the Yoruba culture and traditions which has enhanced their status the world over.”

    He added: “We want to urge the new Aare Ona Kakanfo to use his new position to unite all Yorubas; he should not allow politicians to use him because he is now father of all.

    “He has now become father of all Yorubas, he should continue to defend their interest anywhere in the world. Our prayer is that God willgrant him long life and good health to occupy the office of Aare Ona Kakanfo.”

     

  • Title will moderate my radicalism, says Adams

     •Kalu hails Gani as Yoruba generalissimo 

    AAre Ona Kankanfo of Yoruba-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, yesterday said the title offered to him by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, will moderate his radicalism and strengthen his resolve to contribute to the unity of Yoruba.

    He described the Alaafin as a highly respected monarch and an intelligent leader, adding that he consulted with the traditional institution, political class and leaders of opinion in Yoruba land before giving him the title.

    Adams told reporters in Lagos that the status had catapulted him to the enviable position of a statesman.

    According to him, it has fulfilled the wish of the activist-lawyer, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), who always hailed him as “generalissimo”.

    The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) leader said he accepted the offer with optimism and enthusiasm in deference to the Alaafin, who, historically, has the prerogative to confer the honour on him, following consultation with the Oyomesi.

    He said he met the criteria, including loyalty to the royal father, focus on welfare of Yoruba land, defence of Yoruba cultural values and leadership of a socio-cultural group with about six million people.

    Adams said he had consulted prominent Yoruba leaders.

    Noting that attention will focus on him as the Aare Ona Kankanfo, he said: “The title of Aare Ona Kankanfo will moderate my radicalism. I am going to meet Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Frederick Fasehun to inform them. The title will moderate my radicalism.

    “But I will not compromise my principle. I will not betray the cause of Yoruba people. I will also be a good Nigerian. I will relate with all Nigerians, based on justice. The position of Aare Ona Kankanfo is a position of a statesman.”

    Adams, who holds 52 chieftaincy titles in Yoruba land, promised to work with prominent leaders to unite the race and fight for its progress.

    He added: “Chief Obafemi Awolowo became the premier of Western Nigeria at the age of 45. Gowon became Head of State at the age of 38. Obasanjo became Head of State at 42. In the United States of America, Bill Clinton became president at 42, George W. Bush at 42 and Barack Obama at 46. In France, the president got there at 39. In Austria, the president is 31. At 47, I can occupy any position in Nigeria.”

    He added: “When the Alaafin saw my curriculum vitae, especially the formation of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in 78 countries, he resolved to consult widely before giving me the title. Aare is a position of service to Yoruba land. You can only attain the position as a freedom fighter and philanthropist.

    “Chief Ladoke Akintola became the Aare because he was the premier. Chief MKO Abiola became the Aare because he was a philanthropist. Gani Adams is a promoter of Yoruba culture. Since March 15, 1999, I have been serving Yoruba as the coordinator of OPC.”

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has felicitated with Adams on his designation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba.

    In a message, Kalu said: “The news of your confirmation as Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land did not to come to me as a surprise, owing to your gallant qualities and exemplary leadership style. It is indeed a well-deserved honour.

    “You have, over the years, demonstrated patriotism in your pursuits; as such, your contributions to the socio-political development of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria are remarkable.

    “While urging you to use your position to promote peace and unity in Nigeria, I wish you a successful reign as the field marshal of Yoruba land.”

    Also, OPC leader in Ekiti State, Prince Adeniyi Adedipe, has said Adams deserves the title.

    He hailed Oba Adeyemi for considering Adams worthy of the prestigious title.

    Adedipe described the recipient as a “round peg in a round hole”.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Adams is APC candidate for Lagos by-election

    Mr Naheem Adams is candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 30 Lagos House of Assembly by-election for Eti-Osa.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the election is to fill a seat in the Assembly, after the death of Mr Kazeem Alimi on July 18.

    The party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Abiodun Salami, told NAN yesterday in Lagos Adams won the primary on Monday.

    He said the candidate polled 294 votes to defeat five others.

    According to Salami, the primary, whose outcome was accepted by all, was peaceful.

    The APC official said 384 persons were accredited, while 370 votes were cast, with 14 votes voided.

    He said: “At the end of the primary, Mr Naheem Adams polled 294 votes, beating six aspirants.

    “The aspirants embraced one another and congratulated the winner.”

    Salami urged Lagos residents to continue to support the party.

  • Adams hails National Assembly’s move on confab reports 

    Adams hails National Assembly’s move on confab reports 

    The National Cordinator of Oodua People’s Congress,Otunba Gani Adams, has commended the National Assembly for its decision to examine the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, with a view to adopting them.

    According to Adams, who is also the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union, the future of Nigeria is in the hands of the lawmakers. He said: “We should stop deceiving ourselves, the future of Nigeria as an entity can only be guaranteed if the various yearning of all components of the Nigeria union have their agitations met”.

    “It is only wise for the Federal Lawmakers to critically look into the set out recommendations of the Confab which I have the honor to participate so as to pacify everybody. Aside assurance of national peace, it will also aid the rapid development of the nation”.

    By this action, the 8th National Assembly is on the verge of writing down its name in gold as the savior of the unity of Nigeria. They should move beyond paper talks and be proactive and adopt the needed agitations which will assure all to want to remain under the union called Nigeria.”

    Adams said the recommendations have addressed the needs of the country, the judiciary, executive, local government and stakeholders.

    He added: “The conference recommended that each state of the federation should have its Supreme and Appeal Court to fast track judicial process, it is therefore necessary that the lawmakers should take critical look into all the recommendations.”

    He said the composition of the Conference was the best so far in Nigeria.

     

  • Kalu, Kanu, others preach national unity

    Kalu, Kanu, others preach national unity

    Two prominent Igbo leaders, Chief Orji UzorKalu and Admiral Ndubusi Kanu (rtd), have advised the citizenry to restrain from acts and utterances that could lead to the country’s disintegration.

    They urged Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and religion, to emphasise issues that will unite the country.

    They spoke yesterday in Lagos at the 24th anniversary of June 12, 1993 presidential election organised by the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams.

    The election, which was widely believed to have been won by the late Chhief M.K.O. Abiola, was annulled by former military President General Ibrahim Babangida.

    Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, said Nigerians should stop quarrelling over religion and ethnic differences that are fuelling the crisis in the country.

    Kalu, who was the chairman of the event, noted that during the struggle for the restoration of Abiola’s mandate, he fought alongside the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), even though he was not a member.

    Kanu, a former military governor of Lagos State said Nigeria should revert to regional system as it was in the First Republic when all resources were controlled by the regions and developed at their own pace.

    Adams said the June 12 has gone down in history as the birthday of the revolution that swept the Nigerian military back to the barracks.

    According to him, “General Ibrahim Babangida, then Head of State and author of the annulment, has not been able to live down that error of judgment. It was the final error that also consumed his government, forcing him to step aside”.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Famakinwa, an asset to Southwest, says Adams

    Famakinwa, an asset to Southwest, says Adams

    The death of Dipo Famakinwa, Director – General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), has been described as a tragedy for the Yoruba race and the country.

    The Coordinator of Oodua  Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, said Famakinwa was a great asset to the Southwest and Nigeria. In a statement in Lagos, the OPC leader said: “It is heart breaking to learn about the exit of a special breed Yoruba man who displayed unalloyed personal commitment to integrative development initiative of Yoruba land . It is a tragedy not only for his family but the Yoruba race in particular”

    Adams, the convener Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), added: “It is a tragedy .It is sad that death has removed and cut down one of the most deeply intelligent and sound Yoruba young turks from our midst. Dipo Famakinwa was a prominent and accomplished Yoruba ICON who was diligent and thorough at his duty post. A wonderful son of Oduduwa who was blessed with a prodigious native intelligent laced with intellectual soundness. He was a man of yesterday, today and tomorrow combined. Honestly, death has not been fair to the Yoruba race’

    Adams said: “Mr Famakinwa was unique in deeds, acts and personal relations. He has this special interest in the development and unity of the Yoruba race and spent most of his life engaging in pro Yoruba development ventures without pecuniary consideration. Honestly, death has not been fair to the race”

    He sympathised with the family of the deceased and prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss of ‘one of the most vibrant Yoruba cultural developers”

    Adams called on the governors of the Southwest to immortalise the late Famakinwa who has quietly done a lot of work on the integration of Yoruba state.

    He said: “I am using this opportunity to call on the governors of the South West not to let his death being the demise of his persons and works on the face of the Earth. Mr Famakinwa did his best for the region; we should immortalize him, not only for his person but to encourage others. We are missing him. May the Lord grant him eternal Rest! He was a useful personality for the West”