Aare Ona Kakanfo: Akande, Afonja back Gani Adams

A governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Prof. Adeolu Akande, has thrown his weight behind the choice of the coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, as the next Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

According to Akande, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, chose a successor to the late Moshood Abiola, who will motivate the youth to demonstrate perseverance and service to the people.

He said, “The near fairy tale grass to grace story of Otunba Adams is an open book. It is a story of perseverance, courage in the face of life’s challenges, commitment to the protection of the lives and culture of his people. It is a story that teaches us that there is no limit to the heights that a man of vision, courage, and valour can achieve.

“It is a rare coincidence that Adams has been asked to step into the big shoes of Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, a legend in whose defence he debuted as a courageous defender of his people’s interest.”

Akande urged the Are Ona Kakanfo designate to see his appointment as a call to greater service to the people. He also praised the Alaafin for showing that the Yoruba people cherished values and not wealth alone.”

Similarly, the Afonja Descendants Union supported Adam’s appointment but warned him against unlimited personal ambition.

The President-General, Afonja Descendants Union, Ilorin, Olola Kasum Afonja, said on Friday that the choice of Adams was the best decision ever made by any reigning Alaafin of Oyo.

He said Adams’ age and “intimidating records of achievements in the service of Yoruba nation” made him suitable.

Afonja referred to the role played by the designate during the June 12 saga.

He said, “The Afonja leadership praises the Alaafin of Oyo for his uncommon royal wisdom in giving the Yoruba nation a new Aare Ona Kakanfo.”

“While welcoming Adams to this new sensitive and prestigious seat, the leadership of Afonja descendants wishes to caution him against the temptation of unlimited personal ambition, haughty and overbearing attitude that were the common pitfalls of all preceding Aare Ona Kakanfos.”

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