With the grandeur and enormity of power and influence that accompanies the Aare Ona-kakanfo title, the Generalissimo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams declared that a lot of people are envious of him.
Iba Adams disclosed this at the 2nd-anniversary ceremony of his installation as the Aare Ona-kakanfo of Yoruba land held in Lagos on Thursday and had in attendance notable monarchs and personalities in Yoruba land.
According to him, many people are jealous of him because of his achievements and with the way he packaged himself on the throne.
He said, “Aare Onakakanfo is a highly respected title because he fights and defends the interest of the Yoruba people. The title is for warriors and courageous people. But when you are seen fighting a just cause and you are recognised for doing so, people tend to be jealous. Being jealous is part of human nature.
You should expect unnecessary and unjustified rancour and ill-feelings because Aare Onakakanfo title stands between peace and controversy. An army general stands between peace and controversy. I am a Generalissimo of Yoruba land who some people refer to as a field marshal, therefore, people must talk, tongues must wag.”
Adams who is the fifteenth Aare Ona-kakanfo of Yoruba land stressed further that the title is one many prominent Yoruba personalities are afraid to take up.
He stated that when he decided to take up the title, people felt he was putting his life at a risk.
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But two years down the line, he said, “When I ventured into it, many people thought I was putting my life at risk. But it has been two years now since I was installed as the Aare Onakakanfo, I give glory to God for His grace and protection over me. And by His grace, I will celebrate many more years on the throne.
I give glory to God for His grace in spite of the hues and cry that accompany my appointment by His imperial majesty, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, we are celebrating two years on the throne. I am grateful to him for deeming it fit to honour me with the title.
I also thank His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi whose representative is here today. I appreciate him greatly.
And to all the monarchs from the six southwest states and Baales present, I say a very big thank you. I can tell you authoritatively that many Yoruba Obas are supportive of what we are doing as I do consult them on our every move especially on what affects Yoruba land.
But in all, I give glory to God. I thank the people of Yoruba land for their support. I pray for divine wisdom and courage in the discharge of my responsibilities as the Aare Onakakanfo.”
In her speech, president of a rights group, Women Arise for a Change initiative, Joe Okei-Odumakin while describing Iba Gani Adams as a tested and courageous leader informed that he has brought colour and character to the title.
She said, “We are all gathered here today to celebrate with Iba Adams on his second year on the throne. We have been together since Campaign for Democracy where he represented Mushin zone.
He has brought colour and character to bear to the admiration of all. He is a tested and trusted leader who is passionate about bringing peace to Yoruba land. He has brought Yoruba land to the pedestrian of respectability.”
Ondo State Commissioner for culture and tourism, Mr Yemi Olowolabi who represented Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu at the event described Iba Adams as a freedom fighter whose story represents courage and perseverance.
He said, “We all know how he started his struggle on the street of Lagos fighting injustice and defending the interest of his people. We all know how he was chased like a common criminal and imprisoned in Kuje prison. But today, he has risen from the street to the throne. Iba Adam exemplifies knowledge and courage because the OPC has become a global brand because of his dedication and commitment to it.”
Dignitaries at the event include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi who was represented by His royal majesty, Oba Olalekan Fasasi, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Lamidi ably represented by his daughters, Director General of Ekiti State Council of Arts and Culture, Chief Wale Lanre-Ojo who represented Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and others.
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