I will not die a violent death as Aare Onakankanfo – Gani Adams

By OLUSESAN LAOYE

The 15^th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams, has said that contrary to the strong belief that whoever occupies the position always die a violent death, with the help of the Almighty God, he would not die a violent death.

The Aare Onakakanfo who made this declaration, during his acceptance and inaugural speech at the Durbar stadium Oyo where he was officially installed in a colourful ceremony argued that it was not true that all those who had occupied the throne as Areonakakanfo  die prematurely and violently As people were made to believe.

According to him, there were records that many of them lived beyond 100 years and died peacefully and as such “I would be  like those who died at ripe old age to fulfill the great responsibility bestowed on me in respect of the title

The new Aare Onakakanfo  said that the title came to him as a surprise and he was happy and full of gratitude to God that what started like a dream eventually came into reality and promised that he would live up to expectations as the 13^th and the 14^th holder of the tile.

He said that the 13^th holder of the title, the former premier of the old Western Region, late Chief Ladoke Akintola and the 14^th, holder, Chief  Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, brought great respect and glamour to the title which should be maintained by whoever comes after them and as the 15^th holder of the title, he would live up to expectation and not disappoint the entire Yoruba race at home and the Diaspora.

He said that, the coronation as the Areonakakanfo marks the 505 anniversary of the tile and the 47^th anniversary of when the Aalafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Iku Babayeye Adeyemi the 111 ascended the throne which also made his title a special and unique one.

He argued that for the fact that the title which began over 600years ago is still important today in the 21^st century showed that the Yoruba have a history to be proud for. According  to him, his new tile is very important than other 52 traditional titles he already have because of the responsibility attached to it as he would no longer be seen as an ordinary traditional tile holder in Yoruba land but the entitle country and the entire world.

He pointed out that the title is more important because bit placed more importance on the culture of the Yoruba race, saying that with the title, he would have to do more as a bridge builder and work with all the Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, youths while he promised also to work for the research and documentary of the Aareonakakanfo and other Yoruba historical works for the promotion of the race.

He also promised to provide scholarships to students in all our higher institutions and secondary schools for the promotion of the Yoruba culture while he pledged to work with the security agencies for to ensure adequate security and protection of lives and property.

Gani Adams posited that he was lucky that right now there is no physical war to fight, but there are other wars which he would face as the 15^th AareonaKakanfo because he must ensure that the Yoruba race is united. He also used the occasion to thank, President Muhammadu Buhari, The vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Dogara for their support.    He paid special tributes to the Aalafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi the 111 who gave him the opportunity to be installed, the governor of oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and wish him more years and long life on the throne.

The ceremony for the installation of Gani Adams as the 15^th Aare Onakakanfo started on Wednesday January 10 where he was kept in a secluded place for three days before he finally came out on Saturday January 13^th. He was driven in a convoy to the Durbar stadium where the official staff of office was handed over to him.

The venue of the event was filled to capacity as prominent people across the South West and the entire country were present. Also Nigerians in the Diaspora were present. The whole event was full of excitement, glamour and fun which gave promising hope to tourism as promised by Gani Adams.

Meanwhile, the Alaafin has described as untrue, an age-long myth that the occupant of the Aare Ona Kakanfo stool  is destined to die a tragic death after his installation.

“A lot has been said about the Aare Ona Kakanfo that they die tragic death. This is not true. We have prayed that the time of the new Aare will usher in great things for Yoruba land.

“It is important that we have someone that will establish enduring unity in Yoruba land. Gani Adams today has become the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land and this is witnessed by monarchs from all over Yoruba land.

“We have begged all the deities of Yoruba land to enable unity and peace in the land during the time of Gani Adams so that Yoruba land can regain its lead position among all races,” said the monarch.”

While also dismissing the myth surrounding the life of an Aare Ona Kakanfo, Adams said although the last two occupiers of the stool died tragically, there were others who lived up to 100 years.