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  • 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.

     

  • Gani Adams suitable for Aare Ona title – Ifa priest

    Gani Adams suitable for Aare Ona title – Ifa priest

    A prominent Ifa Priest and community leader, High Chief Olayemi Alabi has congratulated leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Gani Adams, on his appointment as Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
     
    Alabi, who is the Oluwo of Surulere Kingdom in Lagos State, also congratulated the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, for breaking the 19-year vacuum on the prestigious title.
     
    He said the nomination of Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kankanfo is a divine blessing for the Yorubas.
     
    “Otunba Gani Adams possesses all the qualities required of that position and it is glaring he has the blessings of Olodumare.
     
    “His emergence is coming at the most important time in the history of the Yorubas. His tenure will bring a lot of good things to Yorubaland,” he said.
     
    Alabi added: “The Aare Ona Kakanfo-elect has always been at the forefront of the fight for the course of the Yoruba people.
     
    “He truly deserves this honour. He is a man with a heart of steel and with the support of all Yorubas, he will succeed.
     
    “My personal experience from my relationship with Otunba Adams leaves me with no doubt that he is the perfect choice for the position.”
     
    Alabi, widely called Yemi Abore, prayed for longer life and peaceful reign for Alaafin.
  • NANS hails Gani Adam as new Aare Ona Kakanfo

    NANS hails Gani Adam as new Aare Ona Kakanfo

    The National Association of Nigerian Students ( NANS ), on Thursday applauded Otunba Gani Adams over his appointment as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba nation by the Alaafin of Oyo.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, confirmed the choice of Adams for the title on Sunday during his 79th birthday celebration.

    Aare Ona Kakanfo in the pre-colonial Yoruba history was a supreme military title conferred by the Alaafin of Oyo.

    The NANS’ National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Bestman Okereafor, gave the commendation in a statement issued in Enugu.

    Okereafor, however, called on the new Aare Ona Kakanfo to see this sacred position as a clarion call to service in the defence of the fundamental rights of the Yorubas.

    He said the title was also a call to uphold the rich cultural heritage and inheritance of the Yoruba nation, without any fear of favouritsm or nepotism which might be caused by political interference.

    “The leadership of NANS, under the leadership of Comrade Aruna Kadiri, heartily congratulates and felicitates with Otunba Gani Adams on his emergence as the new Are Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba nation.

    “NANS wishes to specially commend Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo for the critical decision.

    ‘’We believe that the decision, no doubt, has been taken purposely for the total emancipation and revival of the Yoruba culture and in defence of the Yoruba nation’s rights.

    “This is indeed a progressive, one coming after 19 years of the demise of the former Are Ona Kakanfo, the  late Chief M.K.O. Abiola,’’ he said.

    He said the late Chief Ladoke Akintola and the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola were the last two personalities to occupy the powerful Yoruba traditional position, in recent time in history.

    Adams, 47, has 52 chieftaincy titles to his credit so far in the country.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo title was held last by the late Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, who died in 1998.

    NAN

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo title fits Gani Adams, says Fayose

    Aare Ona Kakanfo title fits Gani Adams, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land to be conferred on leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Otunba Gani Adams by Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III is most appropriate.

    The governor said the cap fits Adams because of his pedigree.

    In a congratulatory message to Adams yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor said Oba Adeyemi made the right choice in choosing Adams as the generalissimo of Oyo Empire.

    The message reads: “In the Yoruba tradition, before a person is conferred with a chieftaincy title, he must have certain leadership qualities, and the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land is for that bold, courageous and exemplary man, who burns with the zeal to defend our land and protect its interest. These are not lacking in the character of Otunba Gani Adams.

    “I also congratulate Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for making the right choice and being able to fill the vacancy that existed for nearly two decades after the demise of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.”

    Fayose enjoined Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora to support the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, defend and promote the interest of their race.

  • Gani Adams deserves Are Ona Kakanfo title, says Tinubu

    Gani Adams deserves Are Ona Kakanfo title, says Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Oodua Peoples Congress Leader Gani Adams on his appointment as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    He also hailed the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, for picking another nominee for the prestigious title 19 years after the demise of Bashorun Moshood Abiola, who last held the title.

    Maintaining that Adams richly deserved the appointment, Tinubu said the OPC leader had never left anyone in doubt about his resolve to fight for the interest of the Yoruba race.

    In a letter to Adams dated October 17, the former Lagos state governor commended him for having a steely heart.

    The APC Leader said in the letter: “Dear Otunba, I congratulate you on your appointment as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    “With this, you have joined the elite rank of generalissimos in Yorubaland.

    READ ALSO Title will moderate my radicalism, says Adams

     “You deserve this honour. You have a heart of steel. You have never left anyone in doubt about your resolve and readiness to fight for and defend the interest of Yoruba race.

    “In Yorubaland, particularly in the old Oyo Empire, the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo has always been a significant one.

    “You are now the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo. Going through the list of those who have occupied the position, you come with an extra youth, vigour and vitality, which would be an added advantage as you forge ahead in the service of our people.

    “I rejoice with you and wish you well as you assume this leadership mantle”.

    In another letter to the Alaafin, Asiwaju Tinubu said: “May I congratulate you Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye, over the appointment of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    “You have accomplished another important task. You have broken the 19 years hiatus in picking another nominee for this prestigious title.

    “Otunba Gani Adams’ appointment comes after the demise of the last occupant of the office, Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12 election, who died in incarceration in 1998.

    “I commend you Kabiyesi for the thorough search which produced the Oodua People’s Congress Leader as the next occupant.

    “While wishing you renewed strength, good health and continued successful reign, I also wish the new Aare Ona Kakanfo a glorious tenure, ”Tinubu stated.

  • Gani Adams unveils OPC investment arm

    Gani Adams unveils OPC investment arm

    The National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams disclosed that the ethnic organisation will launch its investment arm in the coming months.

    Adams who disclosed this today at Ikorodu during the National Coordinating Council Meeting of Ikorodu West Chapter added that a 700-seater capacity ultra-modern event center will be commissioned in Mushin area of Lagos next month.

    The OPC leader also said before the end of the year, a 3-star hotel belonging to the OPC will be commissioned in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital and a befitting 3-storey secretariat in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos state capital will also be unveiled.

    “I am glad to announce to you that next month (October), we will commission our 700-seater capacity event center in Mushin. Also before the end of the year, we will commission a 3-star hotel in Abeokuta and 3-storey secretariat in Ikeja”, Adams declared to the rousing cheers from OPC leaders, members and other eminent dignitaries who graced the occasion.

    He said the group could muster the enormous resources for the investments due to financial management dexterity and discipline of leadership of OPC.

    Adams said if he had yielded to the intense pressure from some elements within the OPC who insisted on sharing the proceeds from the pipeline protection contract awarded to the group by the previous government, OPC would not have had any investments.

    Adams said contrary to the erroneous views people hold about OPC, he said the organization is peopled by responsible men and women who are patriotic and God-fearing.

    He said politicians who maliciously labeled OPC as a violent, ethnic militia group were the real sponsors of violence and patrons of thugs. According to him, they can hardly gathered 1000 people without pandemonium.

     

  • Stories of Gani Adams’ spiritual powers are false -Wife

    Stories of Gani Adams’ spiritual powers are false -Wife

    The initiator of OASIS Women Organisation, Erelu Mojisola Adams, is the wife of the factional leader of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI and OKORIE UGURU, she talks about the truth, the lies and the myths surrounding her husband.

    What were you doing before you met Otunba Gani Adams?

    That was 14 or 15 years ago. I had just finished from Kwara State Polytechnic. We met during his campaign for Obaship. First of all, I didn’t know he was the Gani Adams they were talking about, because I was not conversant with Lagos issues. Then, I was always shuttling between Osogbo and Ilorin. I didn’t know anything about OPC. I didn’t know he was an OPC chieftain. I met him just like a normal person and we discussed. I noticed that he talked more about Yoruba history. I am a good listener, especially to things like that.

    That was how we met, and it was just a platonic thing. We were just friends. He came visiting my other friends. He would come, call me and talk to me. It went like that for three to five months before he approached me and I told him that I had someone I was dating. But he kept coming. After a while, something just happened and the chemistry worked out.

    It was later I got to hear from somebody that he was the Gani Adams everyone was talking about and had been declared wanted by Okiro (the then Lagos State Commissioner of Police). It wasn’t funny. I couldn’t back out at that time because it would look like I betrayed him. I just had to hold my head and hands up and start praying. I didn’t know that OPC was like this. Being a humble person, he was always by himself and some of his boys. He was always doing things on his own. I had not seen the crowd, the people behind him. They told me he had the power to disappear and do things in flesh and blood. I asked him about it and he asked me, ‘Have you ever seen me with blood?’

    I have not seen him going round with charms all over his body. He prays in both Muslim and Christian ways. He was just like two different beings. My friends would ask me, ‘What are you doing with this man? He can disappear.’ We were not calling him Otunba; we called him GA. Because my friend told me that if he moved close to the wall, he would disappear, I always asked him to move close to the wall. He would not know why I was asking him to do so. Out of curiosity, I would give him the Bible, because I felt he would not be able to pronounce Jesus. But I found that all the things they were saying about him were just stories and myths.

    The day he was arrested, he was taking me down to WAEC office, because they told us to submit the originals of our certificates. I was in his car when he was arrested. I was in in the front seat while my friend was at the back with his P.A. He just told me that if he tried to escape, something might happen to us.

    When they asked him, ‘Who are you?’ He said Gani Adams. They asked him again, he said yes. He entered their car by himself. Then he said, ‘Moji, you have to go down.’ He said if he wanted to run, 10 policemen could not hold him. But because he didn’t want anything to happen to us, he would surrender himself and we should just go.

    I was there. He walked into the police station himself. He told them that he was Gani Adams. They first stepped back and later reinforced. I didn’t go with them immediately. I just crossed the road to the other side. They searched the car and there was nothing inside the car.

    But in the evening, I was surprised to see series of guns, charms and amulets. Then some days later, I was shocked when Tell magazine used him on their cover with handcuffs. They said he turned into goat, he turned into cat and they had to call witchdoctor to neutralise his power. I said to myself, this is how people frame things. But I couldn’t talk. What would I say? That I was there?

    They asked ladies about the man called Gani Adams and they all said, ‘God forbid! He is deadly. He is evil. I was even shaking, asking, ‘Is this the man I’m about to get married to? I hope I’m not in a trap. But this guy is not like that now.’ Lo and behold, after two years, ladies were coming all over him. Now he is a good man. That is life for you. That is a little of my experience with him.

    Was his persistence a factor in your decision to enter a relationship with him?

    The only thing I can say about that is this: I’m from a very strict Christian home. To be precise, my mum was a prophetess. Then after five months of our courtship, he was arrested. I felt if I was to back out, it would be like betrayal. That was one of the factors that really helped me. I just couldn’t move because he was in a problem, and it was because he was taking me out that he was arrested.

    Also the type of person he was. He was very reserved. Then, we used to stay together. We used to eat together. I think his attitude towards life. I wouldn’t say he is a lavish person, but he believes so much in responsibilities.

    How do you cope with the crowds in your house?

    Sincerely, it is not easy. The way I planned my life is not the way I’m living it. But thank God for his grace. The reason is this: one, our house is always full of people. If I am to place this thing here, the next thing you meet it that way. I don’t want to be seen as being pesky or bully.

    At times we might be at home for 24 hours and we might not sit down and talk for one minute. At times I would tell myself I’m married but still single. There was a time my child was telling me, ‘Mummy, you’re the only one taking us to this place. See other people. What of my dad? I said go and tell him.

    There are lives I’m being denied of, but there is nothing I can do about it because of the kind of person I’m married to. It is just a fate. I just have to accept it.

    The man is in the limelight while you are at the background. How do you cope?

    I have my own NGO that I’m running, basically on widows and children. Most times when they are going for the festivals, being a cultural and traditional thing, I do give that space. But if there are events they are spending two, three days outside, no. But it is not as if I want to stay at home all the time. I do go out with him at times.

    As someone from a very strict Christian background, how do you handle the issue of religion at home?

    He is a Muslim by birth, but he practices Christianity because of his mum. His dad is a Muslim. The mum is late, but she was a Christian, a prayer warrior in the church. He is used to that. He practices more of Christianity than Islam. But he leans more towards Christianity.

    You mean your husband is a Christian?

    No. What I’m trying to say is that he practices the three. To be sincere with you, he believes in his culture. He does not joke with Jesus. When I pray in Yoruba and I say Jesu, he would say add Baba, don’t just call the name. Respect the name. He calls Jesus with reverence. At times if he is sleeping and anything happens, the first thing Otunba says is Jesus Christ! I’m telling you. But I wouldn’t say he is not entrenched in his tradition. Everybody knows that he does not joke with Yoruba culture and tradition.

    How romantic is Otunba Gani Adams?

    (Pauses) If I’m to rate Otunba on that, maybe I will give him 30 over 100. Maybe by the time I score him like that he will change.

    You must have heard so many things about Otunba outside that are not true. Who in your opinion is Otunba Gani Adams?

    Because he is a blunt person, he is not that diplomatic in nature. If he sees something that is black, he will tell you it is black. Once Otunba is working with you, he won’t turn back and disappoint you because of money.

  • Badoo Boys’ll be flushed out of Ikorodu within two months —OPC leader Gani Adams

    Badoo Boys’ll be flushed out of Ikorodu within two months —OPC leader Gani Adams

    Otunba Gani Adams is the factional leader of the O’odua People Congress (OPC). His group is collaborating with the Nigerian Police to checkmate the activities of the dreaded Badoo Boys in and around Ikorodu area. He spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI and OKORIE UGURU on how his group is assisting the Police to once again secure lives and property in Ikorodu. Excerpts:

    HOW do you assess the collaboration between the Police and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) on the Badoo Boys crisis in Ikorodu, Lagos?

    Assuming we had taken this kind of initiative in the past, the job of the police would have been easy because the security of lives and property is beyond the conventional security agencies. Those you want to secure, you should have a very good relationship with them. Even some groups, even beyond the OPC, like the NGOs and civil society groups, have a role to play. There should be a relationship between them and the security agencies.

    The Deputy Commissioner of Police of Lagos State was very anxious to make sure that he stops the menace of these Badoo Boys and we agreed that we will work together. I told them that let me call the six co-coordinators in Ikorodu, they will be better informed on the situation. We will then all together sit down and strategise and see how to stop this menace of Badoo. We held another meeting on Friday before last. That was what led to the operation on Saturday. It was a successful operation; in the process, about 138 people were arrested.  From the information we got from the police, a panel was set up on Sunday. About 41 innocent persons were released. I also got to know yesterday that another 40 were released. The others are being held on the suspicion of committing different crimes. They may not all be Badoo. They are being charged and remanded in prison custody. That is the situation.

    From your findings, what do you think led to the rise of these Badoo Boys in that axis?

    Even before we met with the Police, our leaders in Ikorodu had been informing us about Badoo Boys in the last two years and that they were predominantly ritualists, and that it goes beyond the boys that carry out operations. We don’t know those behind them but we are suspecting some prominent Nigerians. From our findings, they use stones to smash and kill their victims, not guns or machetes; they also use a very big stick to kill people, like the pestle used for pounded yam. After killing their victims, they will take their blood or some vital parts of their bodies. So, it is purely a ritual activity and it has been happening for over two years.

    However, it would have been very difficult for us to come in because they could easily write fictitious petitions against us to the police. So, when the police came and asked us to collaborate, we were confident to support. I can assure you that before the next operation, a lot of information will come to the fore because we have designed the operations on committees which I will not mention here, on how we can pass information to the police. We don’t have the power to try; we don’t even have the power to investigate. All we can do is to give information to the police or apprehend them, and hand them over to the police as agreed, and to even inform the police where they are staying, because most of the operations are through the information from our leaders.

    Having said that, we have to look beyond Badoo. There are a lot of criminal activities going on in Ikorodu; the issue of vandals, kidnapping and it is a base for recruiting secret cultists. In the entire Lagos State, Ikorodu boosts of about 25 to 30 per cent of the secret cults in the state. Let me tell you this, a lot of bad things are coming from these secret cults. It is unfortunate that secret cults have left higher institutions, what we have now are brutish secret cults that have left the campuses and found their way into the society, outside the campus. I think something needs to be done by our government.

    You alluded to the fact that beyond the boys that have been causing havoc in the Ikorodu area that we call Badoo Boys, that there are people behind them, how can this current operation be done in such a way that even those behind them will be apprehended?

    The operation has started and 138 people were arrested. There are some pieces of information that I cannot divulge to you as regard the operation, as I wouldn’t like to sabotage what the police are doing. I can assure you that information has been coming since Saturday to some of our leaders, for onward dissemination to the police. Definitely, within a short time, and the determination of the police, some drastic actions will be taken to curb the situation and more revelations will come out.

    There are allegations that people are taking laws into their hands over the Badoo issue, what do you have to say about these alleged killings of innocent people?

    That is why before we came in, we made sure we had the cooperation of the police. We are not doing anything outside the operations of the police.  Whenever our members go to the home of a suspect, they go with the patrol, in joint operation with the police. That was the instruction we gave to them. This is because I know many Nigerians, when you are assisting them, they will be questioning it. Nigerians, when they see you doing 100 good things, if there is mistake in one, they question the others you have done very well. I read on Facebook that a person the community suspected to be a Badoo Boy was lynched and that the person was an MC. Anybody that takes law into his or her hands, should be arrested by the police. We that are assisting the police, anybody that operates outside the law, should be arrested. Those doing a good job should be encouraged.

    We should not say because a community made a mistake, then we over-generalize. People should be very careful, especially in a place where there have been operations, they should be very careful moving through that area. Some of the information was that the Badoo Boys use white jeep to go on operation and that they normally put black oil on their bodies, and according the information I read, they saw engine oil and the guy came with something like a white jeep. Not withstanding, I will advise the public to investigate very well and the issue of lynching or burning suspects is not the answer. They should be handed over to the police, because even though the person is a suspect, or a criminal, when you kill him, you have killed a possible source of rich information that could have led to the arrest of other suspects. So, you don’t kill except under self-defence.

    I believe if we are talking about some people taking laws into their hands, we must be careful not to frustrate the ones helping us; I mean those who don’t take laws into their hands, because Nigeria is a ‘one-way traffic’.

    We were told that there were traditional rites and it was after the rites you started apprehending these people, what role did the rites play?

    By us?

    No, not by you. We read in the news that traditional rulers in Ikorodu said they would carry out rites just before the joint operation…Okay, let’s put it this way, did you do your own rites too?

    If I did my own rites, I won’t tell you. No way, I won’t tell you that I did or did not, but we believe in it. That is our strategy. But the traditional rulers, there is not much they could do on this issue. It is so funny that when they were holding that meeting, they couldn’t carry OPC along. We were watching and looking. I am a traditional chief of Ikoroduland. I was given a chieftaincy title by the late Ayangburen.  I believe if it were the time of the late Ayangburen, he will not call a security meeting excluding the OPC.

    Our leaders were complaining that they were not being carried along. I said wait, I am a chief in Ikorodu, if they don’t carry you along, step aside. I was given Akinrogun of Ikoroduland. At last, we called to help in the rescue of Ikoroduland. I don’t have any house in Ikorodu. I don’t have property in Ikorodu. I only bought land and sold it. I am a chief in Ikorodu but the Kabiyesi did not call me for any meeting and did not call our leaders. But that not withstanding, he is trying his best but Kabiyesi should know that old friends are better than new friends. You don’t underrate even a group that has just 20 people in a local government. They can be useful in one way or the other, not to talk of OPC that has more than 10,000 members in Ikorodu. No matter the differences they may have over issues of land, it should not extend to lives and property.

    They did not use the group they have in their local government but the police came and decided to use OPC because the matter of Badoo Boys is highly spiritual. The police know that it goes beyond modern arms and ammunition. The issue of Badoo is highly spiritual, and they know that OPC is spiritual. That was one of the reasons for the collaboration. Our meetings last week Wednesday and Friday have solved 60 to 70 per cent of the issue of Badoo because the criminals have no where to run to again. Now, my members have confidence that we can work for Nigerians. I think the decision by the Commissioner of Police to involve us was the right one.

    Your assurance to the people of Ikorodu?

    It is only God that can give 100 per cent assurance, but as a human being, as a good Nigerian, as someone who believes in law and order, peace and tranquility, I can assure them that with their cooperation, the Badoo Boys will be flushed out of Ikorodu.

    You are giving a timeframe?

    Yes, within two months, they will be totally flushed out of Ikorodu.

  • ‘Gani Adams not dismissed from OPC’

    ‘Gani Adams not dismissed from OPC’

    Lagos State Coordinator of Odua Peoples Congress, Alhaji Mutairu Adéshínà, has debunked claims that its leader Otunba Gani Adams was dismissed in 2015.

    He said the claim was made by those Adams expelled from the group.

    “How can they claim to have expelled Otunba Gani Adams from a body he started?” Adéshínà queried.

    He said those who formed splinter groups from OPC lacked the authority to do so.

    “We heard about the New Era and the OPC Reformed. What have their leaders done as individuals? Where is their office? Where do they operate from? Let them come out with pictures of their members.

    “Otunba Gani Adams is too focused to be distracted by these bunch of clowns. This is just to warn the general public that they are nonentities who don’t have anything to do with their lives than being tools in the hands of desperate politicians and land grabbers.

    “They have been dismissed since 2015 and they remained dismissed,” Adéshínà said.

  • Gani Adams gets 47th chieftaincy title

    Gani Adams gets 47th chieftaincy title

    The National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, was conferred yesterday with the chieftaincy title of AWHANNUKONGAN (Asiwaju Ogun of Badagry) by the Akran of Badagry.

    The honour was part of activities marking the 40th year coronation anniversary of De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi, The Akran of Badagry.

    At the ceremony, Oba Akran said he honoured Adams with the chieftaincy title in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of tourism in Badagry through Olokun Festival Foundation, which had been organising Olokun Festival in the last 15 years.

    Also, a white cap chief, Onusekan Gbewa l, the Jengen of Badagry, noted that the OPC chief’s antecedent showed him as a fearless freedom fighter.

    According to him, the chieftaincy title is long overdue because of Adams’ efforts to the growth and development of Badagry.

    Addressing Adams, he said: “I am aware that you have been given more than 46 chieftaincy titles in different places in Yoruba land. I pray to God that you will be given the mother of all chieftaincy titles in Nigeria, which all of us will come and celebrate with you soon.”

    Adams thanked Oba Akran and the council of chiefs for giving him the chieftaincy title, despite the fact that he is not an indigene of Badagry.

    He pledged not to betray the trust bestowed on him by the people of Badagry.