Why I accepted to be Aare Ona Kakanfo ―Gani Adams

THE Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams, said on Tuesday that the major reason why he opted to accept the chieftaincy title is to further promote the interest of Yoruba race.

Otunba Adams, who is also the National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), said this while speaking with journalists in Lagos, on what prompted him to take up the war title conferred by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111.

This was just as Adams, who expressed the belief that his new position would moderate his radicalism, said he was determined to reconcile with most Yoruba leaders he had differences with.

According to the OPC leader, who said he was scared initially when approached to take up the title because of the mystery that surrounded the death of his immediate two predecessors, including the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, disclosed that he later resolved to take up the position as he became convinced that taken up the title would offer him the opportunity to further promote the culture and aspiration of the Yoruba race.

He said it took him two months to arrive at the decision, adding that he came to the decision after he had consulted many prominent Yoruba leaders as well as undertaking a spiritual consultation.

“It took me another two months consulting physically and spiritually, I consulted many Yoruba leaders, including Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olu Falae. And whenever I am in any Yoruba gathering, I do tell them I want to contest for the position and most of them gave me their blessings,” he said.

Speaking further, Otunba, while expressing the belief that his new position would moderate his radicalism, said he was determined to reconcile with most Yoruba leaders he had differences with, and was prepared to meet with them.

According to him, the leaders include the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the National Leader of OPC, Dr. Ferederick Fasehun, among others.

He maintained that, the position of Are Ona KaKanfo is always reserved for courageous young blood, charismatic and focused personality.

He said it was also meant for somebody who have the interest of the Yoruba race and is considered loyal to the Alaafin of Oyo.