The Ondo State governor, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu has described the choice of Dr Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo as testimony to his bravery and broad- minded commitment to Yoruba nationalism.
In a congratulatory letter issued at the weekend, by the state’ s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, on behalf of ” government and people of Ondo State” to the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, the Aare Ona Kakanfo title was described as “a rare honour bestowed on him by the great monarch, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi” Gani Adams is an Indigene of Arigidi Akoko in Ondo state.
The Ondo government’s mouthpiece said ” I write to convey to you the good wishes of the people and government of Ondo State over your recent appointment as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land. “This is a rare honour attesting to your bravery and broad minded commitment to Yoruba nationalism.
“You have, in the last two decades, carved a niche for yourself as a courageous advocate of cultural renaissance and a front line defender of the interest of your people,” the letter read in part.
It stated further that “having come this far in your career as cultural revivalist and a leader of the famous Oodua Peoples Congress, no one was surprised that you have been so honoured.
“It is therefore, our fervent prayers that God will give you the wisdom to succeed in your huge historic task of fostering unity, upholding integrity and development of Oduduwa sons and daughters,” the letter concluded.
Recall that the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, had recently joined the list of prominent Nigerians that have sent goodwill messages to the recently proclaimed 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams.
According to Obaseki, Adams deserves the appointment based on the sterling leadership qualities exhibited as the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress.
He equally said Adams antecedents as an advocate of the Yoruba people and commitment to the promotion of the Yoruba cultural heritage through greater cultural awareness among the people must have contributed immensely to his nomination to the most prestigious war title in Yorubaland.
Obaseki said: “As the new Generalissimo of Yorubaland, I urge you to see your elevation as a call to higher service to humanity and in defense of the fundamental rights and unity of the Yoruba nation.”
In a related development, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Atta of Ebiraland, also congratulated the Aare designate. Dr. Ibrahim confirmed his intention to attend the installation of Adams on January 13, 2018.
Ibrahim, in a letter he personally signed, said: “I am highly delighted to know that by the will of Allah, the merciful and protector of all mankind, your dear people, the Yoruba people of grace and culture intend to install you on 13th January 2018 as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, as instrumented by His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 (Iku Baba Yeye,Alase Ikeji Orisha).” Dr. Ibrahim promised to reach out to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyẹmi 111, about his intention to attend the occasion.
