Ondo government, Obaseki, Atta of Ebiraland, others welcome choice of Gani Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo

The government and people of Ondo State have 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.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s administration, 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 Adams noted that the Aare Ona Kakanfo title was “a rare honour bestowed on him by the great monarch, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.”

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.

“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.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State had also joined the list of prominent Nigerians that have sent goodwill messages to Otunba Adams.

According to Obaseki, Adams deserves the appointment based on the sterling leadership qualities exhibited as the National Coordinator of the Odua People’s Congress.

He equally said his antecedents as an advocate of the Yoruba people and commitment to the promotion of their cultural heritage through greater cultural awareness among them must have contributed immensely to his nomination to the most prestigious war title in the ethnic nationality.

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.”

On his part, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Atta of Ebiraland, congratulated Adams and confirmed his intention to attend the installation of Aare-designate 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 ||| (Iku Baba Yeye,Alase Ikeji Orisha).”

Ibrahim promised to reach out to the Alaafin about his intention to attend the occasion.