*promises to promote peace, unity
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on Saturday installed Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland with a prayer that he was not ready to install another Aare Ona Kakanfo during his lifetime.
Speaking after his installation held at the Durbar Stadium, Oyo, Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams promised to live up to expectations as the new holder of the title by working towards the progress and unity of the entire Yoruba race.
He emphasized that as the new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, he is ready to use his new position to promote the interest of Yorubaland and that the promotion of the culture and values of the race will be given the needed attention.
“I am ready to offer myself for service once it is for the progress of the Yoruba race.”he said .
Aare Ona Kakanfo Adams stressed that the last two holders of the title had brought so much power and prestige to the office and that as such, “so much is now expected from him as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.”
He however advocated the need to modify all the myths associated with the title through documentaries on activities and lifetimes of past holders of the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.
Earlier, the Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi while speaking during the installation ceremony prayed that Otunba Gani Adams will live long, and will be the last Aare Ona Kakanfo to be installed by him, adding, “I do not pray to install another Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland during my reign again.”
Chairman of the , Committee for the installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Arch Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu in his welcome address declared that contrary to what was obtainable in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the Aare Ona Kakanfo does not need bows, arrows, guns and daggers but requires courage, boldness and bravery in responding to the challenges facing the Yoruba nation.
Arch Bishop Ladigbolu insisted that Aare Ona Kakanfo as the Generalissimo of Yorubaland and Commander of the army does not need weapons but that a modern Aare Ona Kakanfo need only courage, boldness, bravery, focus, application of native intelligence to international issues.
“The modern Kakanfo does not need bows and arrows, guns and daggers, but requires courage, boldness, bravery, focus, application of native intelligence to international issues, and the brilliance and adaptability to respond to the myriads of challenges facing our nation and our world today.He requires the agility of youth, and the stamina of a long distance runner, as well as the wisdom of Solomon to be all things to all people both in season and out of season.” he said.
Arch Bishop Ladigbolu added that “while it is true that the times have changed, but human beings and their basic needs and aspirations remain basically the same. No wonder therefore that the mystique of the office of Aare Ona Kakanfo and his installation rites needs to be preserved.”
“The Aare does not need all the immunisation of the 17th Century to perform his tasks, in these frightening and most challenging days. But apart from the visible and tangible paraphernalia of office, he has been given the cultural, traditional, customary and contemporary tools essential for his effective performance in the field of service.His seclusion, retreat and induction have been completed”.
Bishop Ladigbolu emphasized that peacemaking, bridge building, reconciliation and fanning the ember of unity and accord should be parts of the mandate of the new Aare Ona Kakanfo,adding that the new Aare Ona Kakanfo should also
successfully tackle the issues of peaceful coexistence of diverse ethnic nationalities, religious tolerance, national reorientation and civic responsibility,
The installation ceremony was attended by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; the Deji of Akure and the representatives of the governors of Osun, Ogun, Lagos and Ondo as well as other prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
Others at the ceremony included former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; Senator Monsurat Sumonu; former Oyo State deputy governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and several other prominent personalities from across Nigeria.
