Task before the 15th generalissimo

Gani Adams after his installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo

THE Yoruba Kingdom has no reason to worry about the absence of a war leader to lead its army as it was during the pre-colonial Old Oyo Empire. Once the Nigerian government could provide adequate security of lives and properties, there would be no cause for alarm. Besides, the Nigerian constitution from the 1922 Clifford Constitution doesn’t recognise the presence of local security personnel.

The current Oyo town didn’t see the need to install a successor to the immediate past Aare Ona Kakanfo, Chief M. K. O. Abiola in a hurry. Should there be a need for defense of the ancient Kingdom another army general would have long emerged. Even the Yoruba race did not feel the absence of a war Lord. Hence, the emergence of Otunba Gani Adams as the next General came as a surprise to lots of people who are not conversant with his inestimable contributions to the social, cultural, economical and political development of Yoruba Kingdom.

Otunba Gani Adams’ ascension is not perchance. With his pedigree and inextinguishable quest to develop Yoruba culture and traditions, he is qualified to occupy the ancestral position. Being the helmsman of the Odua People’s Congress for years adds more to his qualifications. Many Yoruba cultural and political leaders have thrown their weights behind him making him a more popular candidate to take the vacant seat. The proprietor of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, declared Chief Gani Adams as “very dynamic, highly focused person and I think this it is part of the characteristics that made Alaafin to appoint him”.

His appointment isn’t only welcomed by the old generation; Chief Adams is popular among youths, he himself being one able and capable. So, he will enjoy much popular support. Though there’s no war to fight, there is no external threat to the existence of Yoruba people, the new generalissimo has a lot to do, even more than any other traditional ruler as far as the interests of Yoruba are concerned.

• Timothy Faboade,

Gbongan, Osun State.