Aare Ona Kakanfo: I Won’t Die Young – Gani Adams

Following superstitious speculations that being installed as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland may shorten the life span of Chief Gani Adams, the newly installed designate has said no such thing will happen.

He said “Let me say that 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. 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 reiterated that he would not dump the OPC. 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…

“This title is a reward from my people on the basis of honour and not salary.”