The uncommon bravery, knack for propagating the Yoruba culture and traditional norms across the world have made the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, to pick the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo.
The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee for the installation of Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, disclosed this to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday at a press conference attended by representatives of governments of Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ondo States.
Adams, currently in seclusion in Oyo Alaafin ahead of tomorrow's installation, was announced as the successor to the late occupant of the post, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, who died 20 years ago in detention as he unsuccessfully attempted to reclaim the mandate as President-elect of the June 12, 1993 election.
Also, Ladigbolu, a Prince of Oyo kingdom, dispelled myths surrounding the deaths of past Kakanfos.
He said: "Nothing stops Aare Ona Kakanfo from residing in Oyo.
"So anyone telling you that Kakanfo don't see the Alaafin is telling you a myth. There is nothing that stops the Kakanfo seeing the Alaafin. He will want to see the Alaafin to plan things. If he wishes to live in Oyo, there is noting that stops him. And you know the new Aare resides in Lagos.
"There were many people who crave the position, there are many people who want the position from all parts of Yorubaland.
"The Aare Ona Kakanfo will work in connection with all Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers in promoting the culture of our people and ensuring territorial integrity of our land, Nigeria.
"That is why today we have today the preparation for the instalation of the new Aare Ona Kakanfo.
"He is already in seclusion, he is in the process of retreat and instalation. He has been in Oyo since yesterday.
Ladigbolu while speaking further also declared that contrary to belief of some people, to accept the Aare Ona Kakanfo title was not a death certificate.
He said "To accept the Aare Ona Kakanfo is not a death warrant. Infact Ojo Aburumaku died in his house. He did not died in the war front. Aare Latosa also did not died at the war front. They died in their homes.
Ladigbolu while going down the memory lane said the office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo of Yorubaland) was created by Alaafin Ajagbo in 16 century in order to serve as the commander of the Yoruba army in defending its territory.
He said the office was created in the 16th century by Ajagbo who appointed one of his friends, Kokorogangan to be the first Generalissimo of Yorubaland and Commander of its army.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy matters in Oyo State, Mr. Bimbo Kolade said the installation was an another way to promote Yoruba culture.
He said "The installation of Aare Ona Kakanfo is an opportunity to celebrate Yoruba race.
"That is why the state government said it is an opportunity to celebrate culture, the one that cuts across the Yoruba race".
No comments:
Post a Comment