By Toba Adedeji
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who has slated 13th January, 2018 for the installation date spoke on reason why Gani Adams is fit for the appointment.
- Alaafin cleared the air on controversies surrounding the announcement of Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo on 15th October 2017.
Explaining the Choice of Adams as Aare OnaKakanfo, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, said the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, Gani Adams, was chosen as the new Aare OnaKakanfo of Yorubaland after considering his antecedents as a Yorubaman who had exhibited passion for defending his people, their culture and tradition.
He noted that Adams was courageous and bold whenever he stepped forward to defend the Yoruba race.
According to him, the choice of Adams was well thought out before a decision was taken. He has shown enough charisma to deserve the honour.
“If you have been observing him in the past many years, Adams attends all Yoruba festivals, irrespective of where they are held. He also promotes our culture through so many means including his annual Olokun festival.
“I picked him because he loves the Yoruba race and all the culture and tradition of our people. He has contributed immensely to upholding them. Whenever he attends these festivals, he goes with a large entourage and financially, he is always responsible for the cost. He does not attend in order to benefit financially.
“He may be young but he is also very bold and courageous. These are traits synonymous with an Aare OnaKakanfo. Adams is a Yoruba cultural enthusiast. He defends the race anywhere he goes. Among his strengths is that he has strong supporters in every town in Yorubaland through his Oodua People’s Congress
“Money or material wealth is not considered before choosing an Are OnaKakanfo. Abiola promoted everything that had to do with Yoruba race. He was popular among his people and he was close to traditional rulers. So, Adams may not be as rich as Abiola but I can tell you he has all the qualities an Aare OnaKakanfo should possess. He leads an organisation that is ever ready to defend the cause of the Yoruba race. Is there any Yorubaman that has such clout as Adams without being a politician today?” Alaafin concluded.