After months of speculation, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Sunday declared the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
The position was held last by the late MKO Abiola, who died in the detention camp of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, in 1998 for refusing to trade his presidential mandate for freedom.
Indication that Adams, 47, would be declared Aare Ona Kakanfo first emerged in June this year but neither the Oyo monarch nor the OPC leader would confirm the report.
But in a message circulated on social media on Sunday, personal assistant to Adams, Segun Akanni, wrote: “As from today Sunday 15th, October 2017, that MAN with many Chieftaincy titles, The proud Son of Arigidi Akoko, The National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress, The Convener of Oodua Progressive Union, The Founder of Gani Adams Foundation, The Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, The Chairman/CEO of Donyx Global Concept, Aare Gani Adams becomes The 15th AARE ONAKAKANFO OF YORUBA LAND.
“Special thanks to His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Olayiwola Atanda, The Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye Yeye.”
Punch also quoted the Alaafin as confirming the appointment, saying a letter of appointment was issued to Adams during his (monarch’s) 79th birthday celebration on Saturday.
“Yes, I have confirmed Otunba Gani Adams as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. He emerged out of the five aspirants that I considered for the position but I will hold a press conference where he will be formally announced. It is after this announcement that the traditional rites for his installation will start,” he said.
