The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has
disclosed that the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo was bestowed on Dr. Gani Adams
because of his passionate commitment to the protection of the culture and territorial
integrity of Yorubaland, reports ITRealms.
Oba Adeyemi made the disclosure during a thanksgiving
service on Sunday at St Mary's Catholic Church, Oyo to mark his 47th year on
the throne.
He disclosed that out of 25 candidates shortlisted for the
title, Adams was found to have paid dearly and earnestly for the interest of
Yorubaland
Oba Adeyemi said: “The benchmark of selection was not hung
at the sentinel of political engagement, solidity in terms of gold, wealth or
fortune, neither was it on the number of properties acquired on global
pedestal, but on agrarian and blind engagement of those who have abused and
abusing, those who have infringed and infringing on the territorial and cultural
territory of Yoruba.
“Whatever methods employed by him and his association, the
fact still remains that there was a counter balance check valve which sent
jitters down to the spines of the irrational irredentists who hitherto thought
that they can make mincemeat of Yoruba land.
“And for his bold steps at ensuring that Yorubaland was not
desecrated or lorded over both by blue collar miscreants, ethnic irredentists
and he paid dearly for it.”
Adams, Oba Adeyemi pointed out, “has been poignantly
consistent in fighting for the protection of Yoruba. He was for many times
humiliated, disgraced, manacled and jailed. It is natural for you either to
hate, love and dislike him. However, the truth must not only be told that he
was there when the Yoruba needed a person who is bold, strong and ready to lay
his life for the defence of the heritage.
“After he came first at the examination and scrutinization
by men and earthly beings, his appointment as the 15th Are Ona Kakanfo was also
subjected for approval and subsequently sanctioned by the gods and all the
elemental forces in the firmament.
“We also ensured that the three religions being fervently
practiced by the Yoruba prayed and endorsed his appointment. Thus, we find it
expedient to be here today not only to give and pray to God through Mother
Mary, the Holy Virgin for my 47th year on the throne, but also for the
successful installation ceremony of the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
“The role of an Aare Ona Kakanfo both in the peace and war
period is not a deal for the Lilly or jelly livered or for a spineless fellow.
It is the consignment of a man with a Lion's heart and an eagle spirit, which
we have found in Aare Gani Adams.”
Ayo Midele/GEE
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