Tag: Iba Gani Adams

There is a need for unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa to foster cultural preservation, economic empowerment, social cohesion and national integration, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, has said.

 Adams explained that such unity would also help with economic and political empowerment, as a united Yoruba community in South Africa can better advocate for its interests, access resources, and participate effectively in socio-political and economic activities both locally and in relation to Nigeria.

Adams made the call while speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), South African chapter.

He stressed that unity among Yoruba groups in South Africa will help safeguard and promote Yoruba cultural practices, language, festivals, and traditions in the diaspora.

Such collective effort, he noted, will ensure that Yoruba heritage remained vibrant and is passed down to future generations despite being away from the homeland.

“Unity fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among Yoruba people in South Africa. It facilitates mutual support, cooperation, and collective action in addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by the diaspora community,” Adams said.

Speaking on the essence of teaching children of Nigerians in the diaspora their indigenous language, Adams said the importance was multifaceted and deeply significant culturally and educationally. He encouraged the Yoruba communities in South Africa not to fail in this parental responsibility.

Read Also: UNICEF, NGE, DAME hold dialogue on safeguarding Nigerian child

“Teaching Yoruba to children of Nigerians abroad helps preserve their cultural identity and heritage. It connects them to their roots, traditions, values, and history, fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride in their Nigerian and Yoruba ancestry,” he added.

 In his address, the host and National Coordinator, Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) South Africa, Chief Kayode Orenisi, said the 10th year anniversary celebration of OPU South Africa was a celebration of a decade of impact, unity, and progress.

 “This is a celebration of 10 years of carrying the torch of Yoruba heritage, 10 years of promoting our values, and 10 years of standing together as one big family in the diaspora.

 “When we began this journey, our goal was simple but powerful: to preserve our culture, uplift one another, and represent the Yoruba nation with dignity and pride anywhere we find ourselves. Today, by God’s grace, we can proudly say we have stayed true to that vision,” he added.

…it is a monumental loss

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams, has described the passing of Afenifere leader and staunch Awoist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as a monumental loss to the Yoruba people and Nigeria.

In a personally signed statement, Adams likened the late Adebanjo to an Iroko tree, whose voice remained influential across the nation.

He noted that Adebanjo’s death has left a significant void in the socio-political landscape, robbing the Yoruba of a strong and unifying voice.

He said, “I received with great shock the news of the death of the foremost Yoruba son, an uncompromised leader, repository of political history in Yoruba land and apostle of true federalism, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

“His death was such a monumental loss, creating a vacuum in socio- political space and depriving the Yoruba of a strong voice in the polity.

“In his death, we have lost a lot, considering his modest lifestyle, wisdom, and bluntness. Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a true disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who preached the gospel of true federalism, and remained committed to the ideals of the late Awolowo.

“The late Pa Adebanjo was also the man with a lion heart, courageous and blunt. He feared no tribulations and all his life, he was also a symbol of integrity and hardwork.

Read Also: BREAKING: Afenifere chieftain Adebanjo dies at 96

Referencing his relationship with the late Afenifere leader, Iba Adams said the life of the Pa Adebanjo reminded him of the loss of a friend and Baba’s adopted son- the late Yinka Odumakin, and the energy he put up in fighting for justice and fairness in Nigeria.

“When a race lose such a leader and an unapologetic Awoist, a leader that speak truth to power, you can understand the extent of the loss.

“But in all, I find solace in the fact that Baba Adebanjo lived a fulfilled life as a man of integrity and value.He would be glad in the end that he tried his best for the Yoruba.

“For us that are alive, the journey to address the obvious injustice and lacuna in Nigeria has continued even after the death of the late Yoruba leader. We will not relent in our efforts to promote the Ideals for which the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo lived and died for.

While praying for the soul of the Afenifere leader, Iba Gani Adams condoled with the immediate family of the Yoruba leader, the wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, the children, Afenifere and Yoruba at large.

He said though the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo died at 96, as the pillar of liberation, his memories will always linger on in the minds of his admirers.

AARE Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has celebrated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as the foremost monarch marked his golden jubilee.

Iba Adams in a statement he signed personally, described the Ife monarch as a big inspiration to Yoruba traditional institution, saying the monarch has, since his ascension to the royal stool, been contributing more by promoting Yoruba culture and tradition than any Oba in recent times.

“I wish Kabiesi well in his new age. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is a big inspiration to Yoruba traditional institution. He is a role model that many of the Yoruba obas look up to.

Read Also: Ooni is a big inspiration to Yoruba traditional institution – Iba Gani Adams

“Kabiesi has brought a lot of innovations and reforms to the traditional institution, and it is a demonstration of his unequal passion for the development of the royal stool.

“As the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, I rejoice with the good people of Ife, the Osun State government as well as the entire Yoruba race as the Arole Oodua is celebrating this milestone.

“Kabiesi is the pride of our race and we will continue to support his vision for the development and progress of the Yoruba race.

“As we celebrate Kabiesi golden jubilee, I pray to God to grant our revered monarch good health, sound mind, and more grace for him to continue to be such a blessing to the Yoruba race in general.”