What have been the objectives of your association?
Over the years, we have been at the forefront of championing the interests of Yoruba youths across the globe, especially where this people are represented. In Nigeria here, we have ensured that at different for a, we push for more space for our youths. It will be stating the obvious that youth take a chunk of our population. Unfortunately, our leaders have not allowed this to be a major fact when they are making policy formulations. In the South West, we have continuously articulated our goals towards ensuring that our youths get the needed attention that they truly deserve.
What are some of the challenges that you have been faced with in realizing these objectives?
There is hardly any worthwhile venture that will not present its peculiar limitations. Be that as it may, we are not weighed down by this. In many instances, a few people, as it is usual with humans, look down on the lofty objectives that we have. Yet we have received immense support from very well-meaning Nigerians from within and outside the shores of this country. Our support base is not only encouraging, it has shown to us that many have keyed into our yearnings.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, recently made known his selection of Otunba Gani Adams as the Aare Ona Kakanfo. What does this signal to you?
When he was announced as the new generalissimo of the Yoruba people, we were indeed very glad. I must state categorically that the Alaafin of Oyo has shown significant interest in the welfare of Yoruba youths. His fatherly love and support are not hidden. When therefore, he choose a person in the ilk of Otunba Gani Adams, we were indeed very happy. His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyemi, has put a round peg in a round hole. Such action of installing a well known lover of the Yoruba race and a frontline leader of the Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), as the new Aare Ona kakanfo further indicates that the traditional ruler has the best interest of the Yoruba race in mind.
The courageous use of the position by the late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola in the 90’s still remains fresh in our mind. His brave political outreach and his roles against dictatorship revealed that the cap only fits a crusader who knows his onion.
There is no doubt that our traditional leaders have seen across borders that the ongoing neglect suffered by the Yoruba race in this current dispensation is critically in need of a warrior with the needed courage and sagacity in Otunba Adams. We are happy by this appointment and we do hope that better things would come out of it.
What are your expectations from the new appointee?
We have a strong in the person and leadership qualities of Otunba Gani Adams. His historical trajectory has pointed times without number how he prioritises the interest of the Yoruba people. Yet we must say that he must be focused at such a time as this. The Yoruba people are clearly desirous of better representations at the federal level and the globe in general. He should once again demonstrate that he has the acumen to galvanise all in guaranteeing the wellbeing of the Yoruba people.
For many years and at different for a, we have seen the Yoruba people’s pride of place threatened. We are saying enough of this. We hope that the new Aare Ona Kakanfo will ensure that we are no longer sidelined.
We also acknowledge that although the task will be huge, we are solidly behind him. We have his best interest at heart. This is not limited to us here in Nigeria but across the globe where lovers of the Yoruba race are resident.
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