In the bid to unify the Yoruba race, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, having endorsed Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo received hordes of people at the palace.
The visit is to appreciate and give feedback to the Alaafin about public opinion; however, the visit coincided with the celebration of the naming ceremony of Alafin’s new baby. This resulted to the tourism traffic that stoked the ancient town of Oyo.
In the report, Otunba Adams assured the Alafin that celebration of his installation slated for January 13 , 2018 would attract many Yoruba people home and abroad and those who are lovers of Yoruba arts, traditions and culture.
He said “Greetings to the King, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyemi II. We are here to appreciate the king for his support to the development of Yoruba race. We are also here to celebrate the newborn baby. We are here to give report since October 15, 2017 when I was proclaimed the next Aare Ona Kakanfo. This is a great favour to the entire Yoruba people, not just for the people of Ondo State.
“The reaction from people after the proclamation is alarming and supportive from all angles. First, we visited the prominent kings of Yoruba land. All of them expressed their support for the installation.
“I received over 135 congratulatory letters. The title gives us the picture that the Yoruba people applauded the position, as a form of unification. Our coming to the palace has ignited the light in me.”
Mrs Margaret Bosede Giwa, Iya Loja and President of Ondo North Senatorial Market Women, appreciate the Alaafin for the appointment of Otunba Gani Adams. She pointed out “Kabiyesi, we the people of Ondo state, are grateful for the kind gesture extended to the people of Ondo State through our son, Otunba. We pray to God to grant him all the needed wisdom, knowledge and understanding for him to be successful. His success depends so much on your supportive role.”
In his response, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III called for cultural tourism revolution for the restoration of Yoruba unity, values, ethics and patriotism.
He said “The only concern I have as part of the foremost leaders of the Yoruba race in the world is to unify our people. Unity of people is essential in the growth and development of any given society. Having thought of what to do, I discovered that there is a vacuum that needs to be filled. The vacuum is the position of the Aare Ona Kakanfo, the only person who fits in the crown is nobody except the person of Otunba Gani Adams. Gani’s contribution to the Yoruba society is immeasurable. I task him to do more in the promotion of our cultural values.
“I had received over 570 letters from people as regards the appointment. This makes me very happy. This position is strictly for you to unify our people. Your covenant with the Yoruba people is being placed on a daily renewal.
“You must be ready at a moment notice for every action or reaction to be taken. Lastly, the only core message which I have instructed him to work on is the development and growth Yoruba society through tourism. We are known to have rich cultural and traditional heritage, which can be of economic advantages to us if properly harnessed. Therefore, I want to Yoruba culture to be a force to be reckoned with in the world. Your position as can tool to enhance our cultural tourism,” he concluded.
In his response, Otunba Gani Adams who was elated said he was short of words but “I pray to God to be my guardian in discharging my duties.”
Prominent Yoruba sons and daughters, who accompanied the Aare Ona Kakanfo include; Honourable Akeem Ige; Gani Balogun; Femi Davies; Yemi Sonde; Erelu Asa, Funmi Rotiba; Olumegbo Yusuf; Hunponu Damilola; Ojo Grace and many others graced the occasion.
