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Tag: Alaafin

  • Alaafin hails Babalakin over MMA2

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II, has hailed the vision of the Chairman of Resort Group, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), by maintaining high standard of the facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).

    It was built and operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), a member of the Resort Group.

    The monarch, who is the chancellor of University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), said he was surprised that almost 11 years after it was built, MMA2 still maintained its facilities “that are of international standard.”

    A statement by BASL spokesman Chief Steve Omolale said the monarch spoke yesterday at MMA2’s VIP Lounge, on his way to Maiduguri for UNIMAID convocation.

    According to Omolale, Alaafin told BASL management team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Captain Jari Williams that he was “surprised to see the high standard of facilities you have here. This is the kind of things you see at international airports. This place doesn’t look like a domestic airport.

    “Babalakin is doing a good job here. I wanted to use the Presidential Lounge when my aide told me that you have a nice lounge here. Please tell him that I said he should keep up the good work.”

    The Alaafin and his oloris (wives) were given royal treatment.

    This is the second time in less than a month that a top monarch would use MMA2’s VIP Lounge. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was at the lounge about three weeks ago, during which he told the management not to compromise on the standard of facilities at the terminal.

  • Alaafin to open Genesis Art Gallery

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba LamidiAdeyemi, will on Saturday inaugurate an ultra-modern  art facility, the Genesis Art Gallery, in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    The gallery, which has participated in many art exhibitions across the world, was founded by Mr. Adeyinka Fabayo in 1990 in Ila-Orangun and relocated to Osogbo in 1996.

    The event tagged Risorgimento will attract dignitaries from all walks of life, according to the Publicity Coordinator of the Organising Committee, Adesoji Adeniyi.

    Former Osun State Governor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU); Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, will chair the occasion while Governor Rauf Aregbesola will be the Special Guest of Honour.

    The Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahaab Oyedotun will be the Royal Host and the Director-General, National Art Gallery, Abuja; Dr. Abdullahi Sabo Muku is expected to be the Guest of Honour.

    A  Professor of History and Director-General of the CICBU, Siyan Oyeweso will deliver the guest lecture at the new gallery complex located at Ota-Efun,  Osogbo.

    Sixty paintings, wood carvings, prints, aluminum and furniture by eight artists – Rilwan Olanrewaju, Rabiu Adeleke, Philip Olanipekun, Dotun Popoola, Kazeem Iyiola, Taiwo Adeyeye, Victor Eguabo and Fabayo, will be exhibited on the occasion.

    Also, there will a launch of an Art Foundation and legendary award to eight distinguished pioneer visual art masters, MurainaOyelami, JimohBuraimoh, Nike Okundaye, RabiuAdeleke, BintuOlaniyi, AdebisiFabunmi, KikelomoOladepo-Adeleke and Isaac OjoFajana.

    The owners of the gallery, Mr. Fabayo, and his wifeAdejoke, said the multi-million naira art facility was built out of love and passion for African art and culture.

    Describing the Genesis Art Gallery as Osogbo new centre of creativity and tourism, the chairman; Planning Committee of the Commissioning, Wale Ojo-Lanre, said: “This is Fabayo’s contribution to the resurgence of art development in the cultural and tourism town of Osogbo.”

     

     

     

  • Alaafin: Absence of value system hindrance to growth

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has said without a solid moral base, the country’s social, economic and political development will be in a shambles.

    Oba Adeyemi gave the warning at the conferment of awards on him and his aides by the Lokoja-based International Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation.

    The Alaafin stated that he shuddered to think of a Nigeria of intellectual giants, astute economists and politicians withoutrelevant moral values as internalised through socio-cultural orientation and espoused by religion.

    “We need to relate our development to our values system. To do contrary is to entrust the safety of the insane man into his own hand which is a recipe for self-destruction. Consequently, a scientific modern Nigerian society without a sound social and moral base will be her worst enemy in terms of the human misery, fear, insecurity and barbarism that would be self-inflicted in the process of a misguided scientific advancement,” he said.

    The monarch explained that “if a country produces intellectual giants” but who are “moral dwarfs”, it is simply producing obstacles to its own development. He noted that the import of this is that morality is germane to social growth and development. “Therefore, to extricate morality from the Nigerian society is to destroy the very essence of the society, thereby inviting anarchy and disorderliness. Morality is a necessary tool for the survival of human society. It is vital to the survival of any society because it is the basis of all social structures and institutions,” he added.

    Oba Adeyemi noted that the problems facing the country, are anchored on non-compliance with or total neglect of moral principles and these have led to the doldrums we are experiencing in our private and public lives.

    This, he added, shows that national growth and development depend largely on the good sense of justice, moral worth and responsibility, conscientiousness, devotion to duty, selflessness, probity and honesty exhibited by the leaders and the led.

    “Nations often have constitutions used to establish the groundwork for their social, legal and ambitious future. It establishes the basic relationships between the citizens and their rulers. It defines rules for good and bad practices, laying down laws against taboos while preaching certain practices as essential. This generally is the means of identifying the nation’s values or value system.

    “It is assumed that a nation’s value system is sacred and could extend beyond that nation’s boundaries. All nations are supposed to be proud of their value systems, just as a person is proud of his or her upbringing and character and would try to impress that behaviour and beliefs on others. Basic values are traditional and historic, reflecting aspects of the experience that each nation went through since its inception as a national unity,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “Where are values like honesty, integrity, good neighbourliness, religious tolerance etc that once defined our society? Whatever also happened to being our brother’s keeper? Today, we’ve grown so numb and we are no longer shocked when people are slaughtered in a senseless terror campaign by some deranged individuals. As a result, we now have internally displaced people in the country, yet we carry on as if all is well. Everything has been reduced to politics”.

    Oba Adeyemi who lauded the management of the Centre for their sense of devotion and commitment to duties stressed that ‘there is urgent need for a re-orientation, a re-engendering and a re-focusing on our moral values with the view to actualising our potential and harnessing our resources both human and materials, for a greater, purposeful, egalitarian and vibrant society.

    “As a result of this, all hands must be on deck to actualise this goal. In this regard, moral instruction and education must be given a pride of place in all our educational institutions starting from the primary to the tertiary levels. Also, every citizen must imbibe the culture of moral value recognising that society is real only to the extent to which the members are instructed and guided by their value system. This presupposes that every social institution such as the family, the church, the schools and the government must take the culture of punctuality very seriously, we must preach against insolence, violence and other vices which will project the nation in bad light’’.

    Earlier, the Executive Director of the Centre, Prince Salihu Musa Yakubu who led other members of the management team, said they have been keeping close watch on Alaafin’s stewardship amongst others within the period under review.

    According to him, ‘’from our findings, you (Alaafin) have used character to change the pattern of kingship in Nigeria, in addition to your commitment to uplifting humanity via your philanthropic gestures. You have institutionalised a new concept in traditional leadership, building bridges across kingdoms and helping to ensure national cohesion, unity, peace, and prosperity of Nigeria’’.

    Yakubu explained that the management of the Centre has shortlisted the Alaafin and his kingdom for this unusual character so demonstrated in the country since his ascension unto his father’s throne.

    Presenting the award, Oba Adeyemi was formally issued with a National Certificate of Credence, and a Gold medal having scored over 79 percent in the Centre’s assessment criteria.Alaafin was also inducted as His Excellency Ambassador of Ethics and Conscience and presented with score cards measuring his scores in the Centre’s 10 thematic areas of independent assessment.

    Also conferred with awards of diligence to duties were the Palace Provost, Prince Totoola Adeyemi, and the Accounting Officer, Mrs Abosede Oyatokun.

  • Alaafin challenges intellectuals on restructuring

    Alaafin challenges intellectuals on restructuring

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has urged intellectuals to be pro-active in finding solutions to the‘ socio-economic and political problems in the country .

    Oba Adeyemi said that scholars should not concede leadership to indolent politicians and self-appointed opinion leaders who have nothing to offer.

    His words: “Scholars should lead other stakeholders and segment of society to provide intellectual response to restructuring the Nigerian Federation. The African academia and intelligentsia should not conceded leadership in this enterprise to indolent politicians and self- appointed opinion leaders whose stock in trade is soapbox grandstanding and parliamentary rhetoric.

    The Alaafin spoke at a conference on “African Knowledge and Alternative Futures” held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,  in honour of Professor Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, Austin,  United States of America. Falola, a professor of African History, clocked 65 on January 1.

    He emphasised the importance of education for Nigeria and other African countries to overcome myriad of socio-economic and political challenges retarding their progress. He said: “Our claim to bring back education will be meaningful if we acquire knowledge, internalise its values and appropriate wisdom therefrom for finding solutions to the twin problems of under-development and state collapse.”

    The permanent Chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas stressed that the Nigerian case calls for the intellectual input of the Yoruba to redefine the nature and pattern of relationship among the diverse and seemingly disparate ethnic groups or nations in Nigeria.

    The monarch paid tribute to the first Premier of the old Western Nigeria, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who transformed the region. He mentioned that Awo built the first television station in Nigeria and the first dualised road from Mokola to the Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola regrets that Nigeria depends solely on rent. “We are rent seekers; we are joking on development; people must work to produce surplus for government and government must provide enabling environment for the people through infrastructural development. It is a self-sustaining circle that must not be broken.

    He attributed the economic recession in the country to a drop in oil price in the world. According to him when the rent goes up (oil price) our GDP rises, when it goes down the GDP also come down. Government capacity to sustain itself is in jeopardy if people fail in their own responsibility by contributing to the economy.

    The governor said: “Nigeria must not only exist but it must be strong and must be able to lead the continent to achieve its manifest, and historic destiny.”

    Oba Adeyemi decried the killing by herdsmen in various parts of the country and urged security agencies to end the menace. He said: “The taking of human lives, especially of unarmed innocent people, who are not in state of war, is unjustifiable, cruel and should not be tolerated in any civilised society.

    “As a people, we need to tread carefully on the killings by the herdsmen across the country. As bad and reprehensible they as they are, they are not as deadly as the Nigerian Civil War we fought between 1967 and 1970.

    “The cardinal duty of the government is the protection of lives and properties. Every life is sacred and government should keep it so. Those who engaged in the barbarous act should be apprehended and face the full wrath of the law.

    “If there is no peace, the country cannot make progress, peace must be protected throughout the country.

    “All of us must reflect on this issue and not just pretend as if it doesn’t matter.”

  • Ajimobi, Alaafin reject cattle colony

    Ajimobi, Alaafin reject cattle colony

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged the Federal Government not to establish a cattle colony across the country.

    He described the move as tantamount to modern slavery.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the capital.

    He expressed concern about the controversy surrounding the proposed cattle colony during a visit by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    The eminent monarch led prominent traditional rulers to see the governor at the Government House.

    Oba Adeyemi, who shared similar sentiments, also said the idea was ill-advised and unacceptable to the people.

    Ajimobi said: “Cattle colony is tantamount to modern slavery because colony is synonymous with colonisation. We cannot have that in Oyo State. It is a pointer to the fact that federalism is not working in Nigeria.

    “If poultry farmers or owners of piggeries, among others, are not being offered colonies for their livestock, why should herdsmen be a survival category?

    “Our position is to support controlled ranching, under which we will provide land and other basic modern facilities for good cattle business as well as breeding. Those wishing to rear cattle will use the facilities at moderate cost. No more, no less.

    “You will say the governor is the Chief Security Officer of his state, but he has no control over the police. That is another problem we have with our type of federalism. Another example is about those digging for treasures in our communities but collect licences from the Federal Government.

    “This is wrong. Nigeria needs true federalism. We will keep talking about it until it materialises.”

    Oba Adeyemi, who said he was speaking the minds of other rulers with him, applauded the government for its stand on land acquisition for farming and livestock.

    At a broad level, he said, the committee of obas backed the government on the proposed cattle colony.

    The frontline monarch insisted that all land belongs to the government.

    He said: “We appreciate the governor for his forthrightness on this issue and for standing for the rights of the downtrodden, especially the people of his state. The Federal Government does not own land; it belongs to the state.

    “So, if truly we are practising federalism, the Federal Government should not be collecting value added tax (VAT) on businesses in Ibadan while the state struggles to provide facilities for the same businesses.

    “Our people are not cattle rustlers. Therefore, we can vehemently say now that we stand against cattle colony. We support our governor on his stand on ranching and against colony.”

  • The thrills, frills of Aare Ona Kakanfo installation

    The thrills, frills of Aare Ona Kakanfo installation

    On Saturday, January 13, the Yoruba race witnessed the installation of the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo 20 years after the death of the last holder of the title, the late Chief MKO Abiola. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU and YINKA ADENIRAN report that the event was a platform to demonstrate Yoruba unity and rich cultural heritage of the people.

    Aare Ona Kakanfo as a title

    Historically, the title of Are Ona Kakanfo was created to check the excesses and frequent incursions of Ibaribas into Yoruba territories.

    In the 16th Century, the Ibaribas used to terrorise the Yoruba nation and, when the then Alaafin realised the enormous nature of the problem, he created the title of the Aare Ona Kakanfo, with the sole duty of watching over the homeland with the help of assistant commanders who had a special army.

     

    History behind the title

    Tracing the history of the Aare Ona Kakanfo, a retired Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Ayo Ladigbolu explained that the position of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land by “antecedent is not for the highest bidder because it is a position which comes with sound mind and spiritual profundity reserved only for a person of substance who has fought for the interest of Yoruba race.

    “The title can be traced back to the Old Oyo Empire. Oyo Empire was a Yoruba Empire of what is today Western and North-central Nigeria. Established in the 15th Century, the Oyo Empire grew to become one of the largest West African states. It rose through the outstanding organisational and administrative skills of the Yoruba people and wealth gained from trade.

    “By structure, Oyo Empire has the Aare Ona Kankanfo in charge of the security of the empire. He is the generalissimo of all armies in Yoruba land, who was charged with the responsibility of protecting the empire against external attacks.

    “Specifically, the creation of the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo was the direct consequence of the ideas of a former ruler of Old Oyo Empire, Alaafin Ajagbo, who reigned in the 1600s. His predecessors; from Ajaka, who succeeded Sango (the god of thunder), to Aganju, Kori, Oluaso, Onigbogi, Eguguojo, and Orompoto to Abipa and Obalokun, all suffered incessant attacks by neighbouring states.

    “Aare Ona Kakanfo Ajagbo had a twin brother, Ajampati, and like the Biblical Jacob and Esau, Ajagbo was an outdoorsman, while Ajampati preferred the comforts of the royal court. As a result, Ajagbo, as a prince, was part of many military expeditions to keep invaders at bay, and grew up a warrior. He nurtured ideas on how best to deal with military aggression against his kingdom-state.

    “One of the direct results of his ideas, when he became Alaafin, was the creation of the office and title of Aare Ona Kakanfo, meaning Field Marshal, or Generalissimo of the Alaafin’s armies. He then appointed one of his close friends, Kokoro Gangan from Iwoye as the first Kakanfo. He was described as a skilled tactician.”

     

    The choice of Otunba Gani Adams

    It was discovered that not a few people applied for the position against the belief that the office of the Yoruba warlord was anything enticing. But the leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) beat other aspirants and applicants to clinch the office.

    According to Archbishop Ladigbolu, various applicants from different parts of the Yoruba race worldwide showed interest but there could not have been a better candidate than Gani Adams.

    The retired cleric noted that Oba Lamidi Adeyemi made the right choice by pronouncing Adams as the new Aare, 20 years after the death of the last holder of the title, the late Chief MKO Abiola, who died on July 7, 1998.

    He pointed out that the intelligence and wisdom of the forefathers gave the prerogative, right and power to the Alaafin of Oyo to appoint and choose an Aare Ona Kakanfo out of the many people who might be desirous of the position.

    He said: “There were many people who wanted the position. People from different parts of Yoruba land applied for the position, mostly men from the high, low and middle-class of the society. But when  the Alaafin was ready, he made a choice which everyone agreed was a right choice.”

    Alaafin proclaimed Gani Adams the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate on October 15, last year. Many also believed that, despite his unknown background, Gani, who was seemingly nobody, developed himself and became what he is today.

    Justifying his decision, the Alaafin who explained the qualities he considered before making the choice said: “Gani Adams is very courageous and he has the interest of Yoruba race at heart. Gani Adams was a very young man when some Yoruba leaders decided to establish the OPC. As a result of his courage, he was chosen as the leader of the group and he has held the position creditably well.

    Gani Adams deserves the title of the Are Ona Kakanfo that I as the Alaafin conferred on him.”

     

    Seclusion and Investiture

    The procedures and conventions instituted by Ajagbo and nurtured by succeeding Alaafins were probably responsible for the mystiques surrounding the office and title. At installation, the major rite that must be performed is the administering of 201 incisions on the Kakanfo-designate. The incision is called gbere in Yoruba. They are chiefly tiny cuts made with a razor, from the forehead backwards to the waist.

    Each of the 201 incisions is rubbed with 201 different herbal preparations expected to take the courage and bravery of the Kakanfo to super-human levels. After the incisions, the Kakanfo is “crowned” with a specially-made headdress, that only him wears. It is  called the Ojijiko in Yoruba.

     

    Ceremonial Installation

    After being held in seclusion for three days, the new Generalissimo was, at a well-attended event, presented with the insignia and apparatus of of fice in full public glare at the Durbar Stadium in the ancient town of Oyo.

    Observers believe the event held up to its expectation as a celebration of Yoruba diverse cultural heritage. Yoruba from both far and near were in full attendance at the history-making event. Many traditional troupes, dancers, drummers were on hand with musical instruments and outfits to thrill the audience. Different masquerades, performers and varieties of entertainers were not in short supply.

    Sealing the investiture process, 14 different calabashes, representing each of the past holders of the title, were arranged at the centre of the expansive field where the incumbent was led to appease and pray before stepping into their shoes.

    The glamorous event got another surprise when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the new Aare Ona Kakanfo stormed the venue on a four-wheeled horse chariot at exactly 12.55 p.m.  Their arrival threw the crowd into ecstasy, as many left their seats to have a glimpse of the chariot.

    Decked in white flowing agbada and a traditional white cap to match, Chief Adams sat in front while the Alaafin took the back seat of the chariot. The chariot was followed by a convoy of vehicles amid chanting of Iku Baba Yeye from the crowd who followed them.

    The week-long programme, which commenced on Wednesday expectedly, was witnessed by a large crowd of enthusiast and lovers of culture with thick vehicular movement into the ancient town.

    As early as 7:00 a.m., most of the major roads in the town had become difficult to access due to heavy traffic of guests trooping into town to witness the making and installation of the 15th Generalissimo of Yoruba land.

    Security and safety operatives were also on hand in their good numbers. Men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Directorate of State Security (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Peace Corps, some in uniform and others in plain clothes, had taxing day controlling traffic and working to ensure peace within and around the event venue. There were scores of security operatives screening guests at the entrance of the venue of the event.

    Some guests experienced exhaustion at the narrow entrance gate to the stadium as they struggled to gain entry, while others were stampeded, losing some of their valuables in the process.

    As a mark of honour and respect, major shops, business areas and markets in the ancient town were shut, while residents trooped out in large numbers to witness the installation ceremony.

     

    Dignitaries advise the new Generalissimo

    Some dignitaries spoke in their separate remarks while addressing reporters on the task before Adams.

    Alao-Akala said Adams has been performing the role of Aare Ona Kakanfo before his installation as the 15th Aara Ona Kakanfo and that the Alaafin has made the right choice.

    In his remarks, Mimiko noted that Adams has always displayed quintessential patriotism, which distinguished him from the pack.

    Also, Senator Summonu congratulated the Alaafin on the occasion and his choice of Adams expressed optimism that the new Generalissimo would use his position to support Federal Government’s efforts on enthronement of national peace and unity.

    The spokesperson of Afenifere Socio-Cultural Group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin said Adams deserved the choice as the 15th Kakanfo. He described him as a quintessential leader, who displayed a high-level commitment to the promotion and protection of Yoruba cultural heritage.

     

    The challenges and task before Gani Adams

    Just like many people had advised him before his installation, the newly installed 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, vowed to use his new office to foster the unity and peace of the entire Yoruba race, even as he solicited the support of all Yoruba worldwide with particular request to the governors from all Yoruba states to see him as a partner in progress.

    He spoke while giving his acceptance speech shortly after he was presented with the staff and insignia of office as the Generalissimo of Yoruba land.

    Noting that the title bestowed on him is a big challenge, Adams promised to live up to the call by working with all traditional rulers and leaders to project the Yoruba culture to the world positively.  also added that the race is already losing many of its values and cultures to other foreign cultures.

    Considering himself lucky not to have come at a time of many wars like his predecessors, Adams said the challenge will be more of a bridge builder.

  • Alaafin: Adams courage, commitment earned him Aare Ona Kakanfo title

    Alaafin: Adams courage, commitment earned him Aare Ona Kakanfo title

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has said the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo was bestowed on Gani Adams because of his commitment to the protection of the cultural and territorial integrity of the Yoruba.

    The frontline monarch spoke during a thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Oyo on his 47th anniversary on the throne.

    He said out of 25 candidates who were shortlisted for the title, Adams was found to have paid dearly and earnestly for the interest of the Yoruba.

    Oba Adeyemi said: “The benchmark of selection was not hung at the sentinel of political engagement or solidity, in terms of gold, wealth or fortune; neither was it on the number of properties acquired on global pedestal but on agrarian and blind engagement of those who have abused and are abusing; those who have infringed and are infringing on the territorial and cultural territory of the Yoruba.

    “Whatever methods employed by him and his association, the fact still remains that there was a counter-balance check valve, which sent jitters down to the spines of the irrational irredentists who hitherto thought they could make mincemeat of Yoruba land.”

    He added: “And for his bold steps at ensuring that Yoruba land was not desecrated or lorded over by blue collar miscreants’ ethnic irredentists, he paid dearly for it.”

    Oba Adeyemi noted that Adams “has been poignantly consistent in fighting for the protection of the Yoruba”.

    The monarch added: “He was, many times humiliated, disgraced, manacled and jailed. It is natural for you either to hate, love and dislike him. However, the truth must not only be told that he was there when the Yoruba needed a person who is bold, strong and ready to lay his life for the defence of the heritage.

    “After he came first at the examination and scrutinisation by men and earthly beings, his appointment as the 15th Are Ona Kakanfo was also subjected for approval and subsequently sanctioned by the gods and all the elemental forces in the firmament.”

    Oba Adeyemi also said: “We also ensured that the three religions being fervently practised by the Yoruba prayed and endorsed his appointment. Thus, we find it expedient to be here, not only to give and pray to God through Mother Mary, the Holy Virgin for my 47th years on the throne but also for successful installation ceremony of the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba.

    “The role of an Aare Ona Kakanfo in peace and war periods is not a deal for the Lilly-livered or for a spineless fellow; it is the consignment of a man with a lion’s heart and an eagle spirit, which we have found in Aare Gani Adams.”

     

  • 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)

  • Alaafin stresses council autonomy

    Alaafin stresses council autonomy

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has urged state legislatures to support the National Assembly’s efforts at granting autonomy to local governments.

    Oba Adeyemi spoke yesterday when members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) from Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West local government areas, which constitute Oyo Federal Constituency, visited him at his palace.

    He said: “The quest for deeper and viable democratic instrument, which will create the means for regular interactions between the people and the government for proper service delivery and alleviation of poverty among the local population, necessitated the idea of unfettered autonomy for local governments in the country.

    “Many of the democratic nations of the world, including the United States of America, Brazil and India, have come to terms with the need to strengthen local governments and make them functional in scope and operation. The socio-economic reality of the modern world has imperatively compelled every serious nation to improve the standard of living of the local population through a viable and efficient local administration.”

    Oba Adeyemi noted that despite the desperate economic notion behind colonialism, the British colonial government in Nigeria, following the amalgamation of 1914, realised the need for a robust governance at the grassroots.

    He added: “Regrettably, the development of the grassroots, which should always be the concern of every responsible and responsive political system, has not been the primary focus. Development and participation have continued to escape people at the grassroots. Development remains insignificant if it does not positively affect lives of those in the periphery of decision making arrangement.

    “Local governments in Nigeria were created as the third tier of government whose objectives are to ensure effective, measurable and efficient service delivery to the people. Why then are these genuine motives being stultified, council workers and rural dwellers made to suffer for the unjust cause?”

    Ojo said local government autonomy would engender rapid transformation of the grassroots, unlike the present situation of stunted growth and inaction.

    He added that grassroots development will reduce rural urban drift, congestion and criminal propensity in urban centres.

    Ojo said: “If autonomy is granted local governments, there will definitely be a reduction in rural-urban drift, which will equally reduce organised crime in the country. Council workers would not be owed salaries for months, as is presently the case in the states.”

  • Alaafin to Buhari: No meaningful rural transformation without councils’ autonomy

    Alaafin to Buhari: No meaningful rural transformation without councils’ autonomy

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to confer with relevant stakeholders and commence work as a matter utmost national importance, towards granting autonomy to local governments’ administration in the country.

    He also called on members of the States’ Houses of Assembly to demonstrate that they derive their sovereignty from the people and
    support the National Assembly’s concerted efforts in granting autonomy to local governments. The country, monarch said, will be a better place when this autonomy is granted, as history will therefore remember all those who have, and who will support this genuine demand.

    Oba Adeyemi made the call today when members of National Union of Local Government Employees [NULGE] comprising the executives, leaders, and women representatives from the four local governments Afijio, Atiba, Oyo-East and Oyo-West] that constitute Oyo Federal Constituency paid him a Save Our Souls visit.

    According to him, ‘’ The quest for deeper and viable democratic instrument that will create the means for regular interactions between the people and the government, for proper service delivery and alleviation of poverty among the local population necessitated the idea of unfettered autonomy for local governments in the country. Many of the democratic nations of the world, including United States of America, Brazil, and India have come to terms with the need to strengthen local governments and make them functional in scope and operation.

    The socio-economic reality of the modern world has imperatively compelled every serious nation to improve the standard of living of the local population through a viable and efficient local administration’’. He noted that despite the desperate economic notion behind
    colonialism, the British colonial government in Nigeria after the amalgamation realised the paramount need for robust governance at the
    grassroots, hence their style of local administration though a facade, yet, they were conscious of its importance. ‘’Regrettably, development of the grassroots which should always be the concern of every responsible and responsive political system has not been the primary focus, as development and participation have continued to escape people of the grassroots.

    Development remains insignificant if it does not positively affect the lives of those in the periphery of decision making arrangement. Local Governments in Nigeria were created as the third tier of government whose objective are to ensure effective, measurable and efficient service delivery to the people. Why then are these genuine motives being stultified, council workers and rural dwellers are made to suffer for the unjust cause?’’.

    Earlier, the State Public Relations Officer of NULGE, Pastor John Ojo, said there is no doubt that Local government autonomy will bring about rapid transformation to the grassroots, unlike the present situation of stunted growth and inaction, adding that grassroots development will tremendously reduce rural urban drift, congestion and criminal propensity in our city centres. ‘’If autonomy is granted local governments, there will definitely be a reduction in rural urban drift which will equally reduce organised crimes in the country .Council workers would not be owed salaries for months as is presently the case in the state’’.

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