The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has declared the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, Otunba Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland nineteen years after the demise of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
Abiola, who died in the detention camp of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, in 1998 in a bid to reclaim his mandate usurped by the junta was the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo.
Earlier in the year, the news filtered out that the 47 year old Adams would likely be installed as new Generalismo of Yorubaland by the paramount Oyo monarch.
Alaafin while confirming the prestigious title on Adams 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.
“It is after this announcement that the traditional rites for his installation will start,” he said.
Also the Adams’ Personal Assistant Mr. Segun Akanni, confirmed the appointment of his boss in Facebook post on Sunday.
He wrote: “God has done it. Thanks and honor be to Almighty GOD, the creator of heaven and earth.
“As from today Sunday 15th, October 2017, that man with many chieftaincy titles. The proud Son of Arigidi Akoko, The National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress, the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union,
“The Founder of Gani Adams Foundation, The Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, The Chairman/CEO of Donyx Global Concept, Aare Gani Adams becomes The 15th AARE ONAKAKANFO OF YORUBA LAND.
Special thanks to His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Olayiwola Atanda, the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye Yeye”.
He quoted Adams as saying he was honoured to be chosen for such an exalted position in Yorubaland.
Late Rev. Samuel Johnson, a renowned Yoruba historian in one of his works, the Aare Ona Kakanfo at inauguration must completely have his head shaved and must undergo some strenuous rituals to test his agility and ability to withstand torture.
He stated that the title was said to have been created between 16th and 17th centuries by Alaafin Ajagbo, who was said to have reigned in Oyo-Ile, the then headquarters of the Oyo Nation.
The first Aare Ona Kakanfo was Kokorogangan from Iwoye Ketu. Among those that have been Aare Ona Kakanfo are Oyatope of Iwoye, Oyabi of Ajase, Adeta of Jabata, Oku of Jabata, Afonja of Ilorin, Toyeye of Ogbomoso, Edun of Gbogun, Amepo of Abemo, Kurunmi of Ijaye, Ojo Aburumaku of Ogbomoso, Latosisa of Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola of Ogbomoso and MKO Abiola of Abeokuta.
