By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
All is now set for the installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland this Saturday in Oyo town by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi
Addressing a joint press briefing at the Oyo state Ministry of Information and Culture Film theatre in Ibadan, Chairman of the planning committee for the installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu said the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo is for the peace and unity of the entire Yorubaland.
Bishop Ladigbolu steessed that the Aare Ona Kakanfo “is to work with all Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers in promoting the culture of our people and ensuring territorial integrity of our land, Nigeria.”
According to Bishop Ladigbolu, the office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo of Yorubaland) was created by Alaafin Ajagbo in the 16 century to serve as the commander of the Yoruba army in defending its territory then adding that in the modern day Nigeria, since there was no war, the Aare Ona Kakanfo is to work with all the Yotubas in moving Yorubaland and the race forward.
He disclosed that the office of Aare Ona Kakanfo was created in the 16th century by Alaafin Ajagbo who appointed one of his friends, Kokorogangan as the first Generalissimo of Yorubaland and Commander of its army to defend Yorubaland and its territories.
Speaking further, Bishop Ladigbolu pointed out that in these modern days, there is nothing stopping the Aare Ona Kakanfo from residing in Oyo town with the Alaafin if the holder of the office wishes to do so.
saying, anyone who still believes that Aare Ona Kakanfo cannot live in Oyo was living in the past.
“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 from seeing the Alaafin. He will want to see the Alaafin to plan. If he wishes to live in Oyo, there is noting that stops him. And you know the new Aare resides in Lagos.”
Bishop Ladigbolu hinted that the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate is presently being prepared for the Saturday instalation in Oyo town, saying, “that is why today we are having a press conference as part of 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.
Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade while speaking declared that he installation was an another way to promote Yoruba culture, saying, “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”. “
The press conference was attended by the Basorun of Oyo who led other Oyo High Chiefs to represent the Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi as well as the representatives of Oyo, Osun and Ondo state governments.
