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The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Wednesday said the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams by all ramifications deserves the title of Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
The revered monach said though the OPC leader might not have the wealth and achivements of the previous title holders such as the late MKO Abiola and Ladoke Akintola but he (Adams) sure deserves the title because of his passion for defending his people, their culture and tradition.
The Alaafin however maintained that he consulted widely before bestowing the title on Adams.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Alaafin had on Sunday issued a letter of appointment to the OPC coordinator as the Yoruba generalissimo, thereby succeeding the late MKO Abiola, who was the last person to occupy the position.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that there has been constant criticisms in some quarters since the Alaafin announced Adams as the next Are Ona Kakanfo. However, the Alaafin in defence of his action said: “The choice of Adams was well thought out before a decision was taken. You may not place him beside Abiola in terms of wealth and other great achievements of the former Are Ona Kakanfos among the Yoruba people and beyond, but Adams has shown enough charisma to deserve the honour.
“If you have been observing him in the past many years, Adams attends all Yoruba festivals, irrespective of where they are held. He also promotes our culture through so many means including his annual Olokun festival.
“I picked him because he loves the Yoruba race and all the culture and tradition of our people. He has contributed immensely to upholding them. Whenever he attends these festivals, he goes with a large entourage and financially, he is always responsible for the cost. He does not attend in order to benefit financially.
“He may be young but he is also very bold and courageous. These are traits synonymous with an Are Ona Kakanfo. Adams is a Yoruba cultural enthusiast. He defends the race anywhere he goes. Among his strengths is that he has strong supporters in every town in Yorubaland through his Oodua Peoples Congress.”
The Alaafin said the OPC boss did not pay him anything to be made the Are Ona Kakanfo, adding that wealth was not a requirement for the office.
“Money or material wealth is not considered before choosing an Are Ona Kakanfo. Abiola promoted everything that had to do with Yoruba race. He was popular among his people and he was close to traditional rulers. So, Adams may not be as rich as Abiola but I can tell you he has all the qualities an Aare Ona Kakanfo should possess. He leads an organisation that is ever ready to defend the cause of the Yoruba race. Is there any Yorubaman that has such clout as Adams without being a politician today?” said the monarch.