It was joy today at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III as the monarch announced the founder of Oodua Progressive Union, Otunba Gani Adams as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.
Late business mogul and acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola, was the last occupant of the office.
With the announcement, Adams becomes the 15th person to occupy the position.
Personal Assistant to Otunba Adams, Mr. Segun Akanni, confirmed the news about 7p.m on Sunday, saying ‘we just received the appointment letter this evening’.
Also, the OP’C leader in a telephone chat with Independent said he was happy to be honoured with the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.
It became obvious at the weekend, during activities lined up to mark the 79th birthday the foremost Yoruba traditional ruler, that Oba Adeyemi had made up his mind to bestow Otunba Adams with the traditional title.
On Saturday, Oba Adeyemi was overheard referring to the OPC leader as the new Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubsland at an event which took place at the historic Atiba Hall, Oja Akesan, Oyo.
Particularly, the foremost Yoruba traditional ruler was seen pointing to Otunba Adams as the new Are, while welcoming Chief Abiola Ogundokun to the event.