The new Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Otumba Gani Adams has agreed to shed off his activist regalia and adorn the toga of statesman in view of his new status.
Otumba Gani Adams, who spoke today, Saturday, at his installation as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo at Durbar Stadium, Oyo by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, said that though with an activist background, it is now clear that he had to do more as a bridge builder with the new responsibility.
“In as much as the focus of my struggle has changed over the years from the heady days of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to the spread of our culture through the formation of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), which is now in 79 countries, the Olokun Festival Foundation, Gani Adams Foundation and many others, this new responsibility, despite my age, has unwittingly forced the stature of a statesman on me.”
The Aare Onakakanfo promised to live up to that calling, stressing that he would work with the traditional rulers, grassroots leaders and all other stakeholders, no matter the differences of the past, for the unity, progress and advancement of Yorubaland and Nigeria.
He assured that with him on the stride, the office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo will project the Yoruba culture and tradition by promoting and sustaining its identity globally, adding that the office will ensure unity of all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world.
“Also, of strategic importance to me is research and documentary to sustain the ideals of our founding fathers. To ensure the continuation of the leadership role the Yoruba is known for educationally, I will give scholarships to our sons and daughters because education is light and power.
“Also, I will collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that Yorubaland is effectively secured through our various organizations.
“I want to assure this August gathering that given the fact that the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), which I am also the Convener, is now established in 79 countries, I will use this Union and other pan-Yoruba groups abroad to invite our sons and daughters with exceptional abilities, who have distinguished themselves in various fields, to come home and help in our quest to ensuring that our country takes its rightful place in the comity of nations.”[muad]
