How Gani Adams Emerged Aare Ona Kakanfo – Alaafin Of Oyo

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in company of his wives at an event (File Copy)

Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, has disclosed that Otunba Gani Adams emerged tops out of the 25 candidates shortlisted to take on the role as the new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

The foremost Yoruba monarch, stated that Adams was well deserving of the title because of his unparalleled commitment to the defence of the Yoruba race and culture.

This, the Alaafin made public during a thanksgiving service held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Oyo in commemoration of his 47th year on the throne.

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

“Whatever methods employed by him and his association, the fact still remains that there was a counterbalance check valve which sent jitters down to the spines of the irrational irredentists who hitherto thought that they can make mincemeat of Yorubaland.

“And for his bold steps at ensuring that Yorubaland was not desecrated or lorded over both by blue-collar miscreants, ethnic irredentists and he paid dearly for it.

“Adams has been poignantly consistent in fighting for the protection of Yoruba. He was for 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 Aare Ona Kakanfo was also subjected for approval and subsequently sanctioned by the gods and all the elemental forces in the firmament.

“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 today not only to give and pray to God through Mother Mary, the Holy Virgin for my 47th year on the throne but also for the successful installation ceremony of the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

“The role of an Aare Ona Kakanfo both in the peace and war period is not a deal for the lilly or jelly-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.”