OPC leader Otunba Ganiyu Adams named as new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

OODUA Peoples Congress (OPC) national coordinator Otunba Ganiyu Adams has been named as the new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

Becoming only the 15th person to occupy the position, Otunba Adams follows in the footsteps of highly acclaimed individuals like Samuel Ladoke Akintola. Chief Moshood Abiola who died in a detention camp of the late military dictator General Sani Abacha, in 1998 for refusing to trade his presidential mandate for freedom, was the last Aare Ona Kakanfo.

In June this year, there was an indication that Otunba Adams could be named the new generalismo of Yorubaland by the monarch but the OPC leader refused to confirm nor deny the rumour. However, the Alaafin, who confirmed the declaration, said that a letter of appointment had been issued to Otunba Adams during his 79th birthday celebration.

Alaafin Adeyemi said: “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 and it is after this announcement that the traditional rites for his installation will start.”

Segun Akanni, Otunba Adams' personal assistant, also confirmed the appointment, quoting his boss as saying he was honoured to be chosen for such an exalted position in Yorubaland. Dr Fredrick Fasehun, the OPC founder, congratulated Otunba Adams, adding that the Alaafin of Oyo had the right to bestow the title on anyone.

Dr Fasehun, who had a running battle with Adams for several years before their feud was finally resolved,  urged the new Aare Ona Kakanfo to behave true to his title. Traditionally, the Aare Ona Kakanfo was the head of the army in the Old Oyo Empire.

“It is an Oyo title and the Alaafin has the right to give anybody. The Alaafin can give anybody, whether young or old, altruistic or otherwise, so I congratulate Adams and I hope he will behave true to his title,” Dr Fasheun added.

Another Yoruba elder statesman, Senator Femi Okurounmu, however, said Otunba Adams was too young for the title. Senator Okurounmu, who represented the Ogun Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003 in the Senate, said although Otunba Adams had done a lot for the Yoruba nation, he still had a long way to go.

In addition, the former lawmaker said most men who were bestowed with the title hardly ended well. He, however, wished Adams the best.

Senator Okurounmu said: “My honest opinion is that as a young man, that title is not befitting for him. I think that title is more befitting for an older person, an older person who has accomplished more for Yorubaland.

“As much as I like the young man and his activities for Yorubaland, I think he is a bit too ambitious and too much in a hurry and frankly, I would have wished the title would have been given to someone with a history of achievement and accomplishment for Yorubaland.

“That title doesn’t have a very good history AS In Yorubaland, people with that title have not always ended very well and I think that is perhaps why people are always running from it."

Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, congratulated Otunba Adams, who he described as a true Yoruba son. Chief Adebanjo dismissed claims that people with the title do not end well, adding that it was time for the Yoruba nation to be united and support Otunba Adams.