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Tag: gani adams

  • 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

  • Gani Adams lauds Ambode’s role in S/West integration

    Gani Adams lauds Ambode’s role in S/West integration

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate, Otunba Gani Adams on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House in Alausa Ikeja, where he commended his role in the political and economic integration of the South West Region.

    Adams, who said he was in Lagos to pay homage as well as invite the Governor to his installation scheduled for January 13, alluded to the fact that Governor Ambode since assumption of office has taken the growth of the South West region to heart.

    “I want to thank you for your role in the South West integration. I believe that Lagos is south West even though it’s the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, in your own tenure, I have realised that you are more interested in the integration of the South West and we are Yorubas no matter where we come from, thank you so much for that”, Adams said.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), with the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, during the courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate also lauded Governor Ambode, noting that it was in his tenure that Lagos joined the Oodua Investment Group, an initiative tailored towards expanding the economic integration of the South West Region.

    “I have realised that in your own tenure, you clearly came out to support Oòduà Investment. So, its important for any Governor of Lagos State to support the Group, because about 50 to 60 percent of Oòduà investment is in Lagos and as the number one citizen and Chief Security Officer, its a good direction and God will bless you for that “.

    Commending the developmental strides in Lagos, Adams said the Governor in the last two and half years had succeeded in giving the State a major facelift, adding that appreciable level of progress has been recorded across the State.

    “I am so particular about the Light up Lagos. If I am driving from the Island anytime from 8pm, I always ask my Chief of Staff or driver if we are in Europe or we are still in Nigeria or the same Lagos that we are living before?

    “I think that anyone that gives light, gives life, by giving light to Lagos State, you are giving life to Lagos State and the more you keep on lighting up Lagos, God will continue to develop Lagos State,” he said.

    He said his visit to Lagos House was also to establish a relationship with the State Government going forward.

    “Chief Obafemi Awolowo said that there is no permanent enemy or permanent friend in politics. No matter anything that has happened I want to build a relationship with you, personally, with the Lagos State Government and with the people of Lagos,” the Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate said.

    Responding, Governor Ambode said Lagos over the years has remained the heartbeat of the future of the Yoruba race, assuring that no stone would be left unturned to engender South West integration as well as preserve its rich heritage and culture.

    He said his administration remains firmly committed to the economic and political integration of the South West and would continue to support initiatives towards its success.

    “We believe so much in the Yoruba race, we believe so much that Lagos remains the bull work of the future of the Yoruba race and we would not let the Yoruba race down. Yes, we believe so much in Nigeria but we know where we are from and we know that everything that binds us together as one we would continue to support,” he said.

    Congratulating the Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate, Governor Ambode said the title was one of the most significant in the Yoruba culture, noting that the emergence of Otunba Gani Adams clearly shows that the economic integration and political cohesion of the South West region was on course.

    “This visit is not ordinary, it’s significant for us. It also shows that we are embodiment of the Yoruba heritage. We support fully, the ascension of the title, Aare Ona Kakanfo in the person of Otunba Gani Adams. What the State Government is trying to do this morning is to say that the Yoruba culture and the Yoruba heritage must not be left in tatters and just as he has said, this title is one of the most significant titles that actually bind the Yoruba culture together.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (6th right), in a group photograph with Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams (6th left), Chairman, Aare Ona Kakanfo Planning Committee, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo (5th left); Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef (5th right); entourage of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate and some members of the State Executive Council during the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday

    “So for us, for Otunba Gani Adams to have been so chosen divinely as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo, it shows that what we have been speaking about the economic integration and the political cohesion of the Yoruba race is in good hands,” the Governor said.

    While thanking the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi for choosing Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Governor Ambode said the title comes with some deference, authority and responsibility, assuring Otunba Adams that the State Government would offer support to make his tenure a success.

    “We as a government, beyond the fact that we would support you, we would also put you in prayers that whatever the responsibility is, God in his infinite mercies will support you; you would be the most successful Aare Ona Kakanfo that the Yoruba race has ever had. Because we are involved, we would make sure that everything that has to do with the Yoruba heritage, everything that has to do with the Yoruba culture, we would protect with all our heart,” the Governor said.

  • Cleric hails Gani Adams’ new title

    Cleric hails Gani Adams’ new title

    The Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre in Lagos, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, has said the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of the Yoruba, Otunba Gani Adams, is passionate about protecting the interest of the race.

    Adeyemi, who is from Kogi State, stated this in a congratulatory letter to Adams yesterday.

    The letter, which was a response to Adeyemi’s invitation to the installation of Adams next Saturday in Oyo town, by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was dated January 8.

    It reads: “I write to acknowledge receipt of your letter inviting me to your installation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

    “I commend and congratulate you on your laudable achievement in recognition of your passion to protect the interest of Yoruba people. However, I will be unable to attend as I am out of the country on a ministerial assignment.

    “I pray that God will give you unusual wisdom and sound health to serve with excellence in your new position, in Jesus name. Amen.”

  • ICYMI: Gani Adams: new Nigeria should be in regions

    ICYMI: Gani Adams: new Nigeria should be in regions

    •79th OPU chapter launched in Dubai

    Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Gani Adams, has said there will soon be a new Nigeria, when the country is restructured along regional line and returned to its glorious past.

    Adams spoke at Land Mark Hotel, Baniya, Dubai, venue of the launch of the United Arab Emirate’s (UAE’s) chapter of the Odua Progressive Union (OPU).

    He noted that against all odds, Nigeria would soon be restructured along regional line.

    The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) leader urged OPU members to play their roles well in the envisaged new Nigeria.

    Describing OPU as a wonderful platform for the unification of the Yoruba race in the Diaspora, Adams said: “Before today, the noble body operates effectively in 78 countries around the world.

    “Today’s launch brings the number of countries OPU is operational to 79, even though there are still more countries ready for launch as well.”

    He said the body had provided a veritable platform for Yoruba indigenes living far away from their home land to constantly interact on issues of common interest, especially those affecting the Yoruba and Nigeria.

    According to him, OPU is a non-partisan, non-religious, ethnic, socio-cultural and integrated sustainable development initiative packaged and developed by Yoruba sons and daughters based on a common vision and a shared conviction.

    Adams said the union is anchored on the determination of the Yoruba to extricate themselves from neglect and under-development.

    Insisting that the members have roles to play in rebuilding Nigeria, the OPU leader said: “We cannot shy away from the reality of the unhealthy state of our country, Nigeria.

    “We all have a role to play to ensure that our country returns to its glorious past.

    “That is why I challenge you, not only to lend your voice but to also ensure that you play your part in the restructured Nigeria that will emerge soon, by the grace of God.

    “To everyone who means well for the country, it has been unanimously agreed that Nigeria must be restructured along regional line for its glory to return.

    “Nigeria, for many of its over 250 ethnic groups, is obviously not a nation in the sense that we regard France, United Kingdom or South Africa as a nation.

    “That is why, given an option, many of the ethnic groups in Nigeria would prefer to be independent of the country.

    “Already, groups, such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), among others, have more or less shattered whatever illusions we may retain regarding the Nigeria that we are living in.

    “While Nigeria would obviously be better off remaining a nation, it is also true that a surgical operation is required to take out the cancer of disintegration currently ravaging the country on every side.”

  • Time to rebuild Yoruba culture is now —Gani Adams

    Time to rebuild Yoruba culture is now —Gani Adams

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo designate of Yoruba land, Otunba  Gani Adams, has decried the neglect of Yoruba culture and deities, promising to right the wrong done to the heritage.

    Adams made the remark during  the celebration of this year’s Elegbara festival, held at Shasha in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    He said: “I owe it to the Yoruba race and our heritage to  ensure that every misconception about our culture and deities  is corrected  and their value restored. That is why at this juncture, I will implore you to lend your support and play your part in what is going to be the success story of the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo.”

    Lauding those who have preserved the Yoruba culture over the years, the chief promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation said:  ”Our culture has suffered enough damage  and there is no better time to repair  the damages than now. I thank the various custodians of culture who have been doing their best to revive our ailing culture, I say more grease to your elbow.

    “While I plead with you to do more, I  want to implore those who are yet to join the efforts to uplift our trampled culture to do so as a matter of urgency, so that we will not have ourselves to blame at the end of the day.

    “The decay we are witnessing in our society today in regard to our cultural value and disregard to our deities is as a result of the neglect of the past.”

  • 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.

     

  • Gani Adams fetes widows as OPC marks Heroes Day

    Gani Adams fetes widows as OPC marks Heroes Day

    Over 150 widows have received cash gifts from the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yoruba, Otunba Gani Adams, at this year’s edition of Heroes Day, an   annual Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) for remembering deceased members of the group.

    Addressing members of the group from across the country, Adams, who is also the group’s National Coordinator, noted that aside from providing the opportunity for OPC to help the families of its slain members, the occasion is also an opportunity to commune with the spirit of the late members.

    Saluting the courage of the widows for keeping their families going, despite the demise of their husbands, Adams said: “What we do here today is part of the sacrifices we must make for the progress of the group.”

    The OPC chief said the Heroes Day was fixed for November 8 because it was the day “the first honest hero of OPC, Comrade Kola Arowosafe, was killed”.

    He noted that of the widows benefitting from the scheme, fewer than 20 had lost their husbands in the line of duty.

    Adams said the widows were accommodated, irrespective of how their husbands died, because the group had a duty to take care of wives of its late members.

    According to him, about 180 widows were hosted and empowered earlier in the year.

    Adams said the Wednesday’s event was the second time OPC was assisting the widows this year.

    Making a case for the nation’s diverse traditions, especially in the Southwest, Adams said the bane of the society is abandoning its root.

    He said: “We cry about corruption, hunger and the like, whereas the antidote to these ills in our society is in our culture, which we have abandoned as a result of foreign religions.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Aare Onakakanfo: Leaders commend choice of Gani Adams

    Aare Onakakanfo: Leaders commend choice of Gani Adams

    The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide and Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum on Saturday commended the choice of Aare Gani Adams as the Aare Onakakanfo (generalissimo) of Yoruba land.

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, announced Adams, the National Coordinator, O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC) as the 15th Generalissimo of Yoruba land on Oct. 12.

    Otunba Oladotun Hassan, national president of the youth group, congratulated and set agenda for Adams in a statement he issued on behalf of the group in Lagos.

    According to him, Gani has done a lot at ensuring peaceful co-existence of Nigeria at all times, especially in its current trying times.

    Hassan, a legal practitioner, observed that Gani had also elped the nation in the fight against violation of fundamental human rights and inequality in sharing of accruable economic resources in land.

    The youth leader also solicited a bi-monthly meeting of all Yoruba indigenous youth organisation leaders and stakeholders with the new Aare Onakakanfo.

    He said that such meeting would foster avenue for strategic deliberation on various issues and areas of mutual interests and consolidation towards ensuring an egalitarian society.(NAN)