Aare Ona Kakanfo title not synonymous with early death – Gani Adams

By Chioma Ugboma
The newly appointed Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Otumba Gani Adam on Saturday dispelled speculations that taking the title may lead to his early death.
Adams, the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) told Newsmen in an Interview in Lagos that not all those who held the position in the past had died young as is being speculated amongst some Yoruba People.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that if installed, Adams will become the 15th Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland.
“The position in the past meant that you have to continually Fight wars to protect your people and may be killed in the process but that was before Nigeria became a sovereign nation.
“The job in the modern era is limited in terms of physical defence because there are security apparatus to settle disputes. However it has become a position to unify the Yoruba race, defend their interest and believe in their course.
“Let me also say that death belongs to God. Only God can decide and determine when anyone can die and until God decides, I will not die young as the defender of my people.
“Aare title is highly spiritual and I have handed my destiny and tenure to God” he said.
Adam’s who is 47 years also put to rest speculations that he would be dumping the OPC group because of his elevation.
He said that he remained a member of the group and would continue to oversee it’s activities.
“The OPC is my sweat. I will delegate some powers to some members to continue to run it while I oversee it.
“The OPC gave birth to the Oodua Progressive Union which I have established in 78 countries to cater for the interest of Yoruba people in Diaspora.
“I will continue to have a stake not only in the OPC but in all groups in Yorubaland. I intend to use my position to unify and strengthen all factionalised pressure and cultural groups in yorubaland” he said.
He said that although he is now a property for all Yoruba people and would continue to defend the interest of every Nigerian On the basis of fairness and justice.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo said that the title is not so a big a shoe fit him not to fit in.
“I have managed millions of people in Yorubaland. I began to fight for my people at a tender age of 29 years since 1999. I have never been in government. I have always fought for the Yorubas.
“I know the terrain of all Yoruba and their culture. I only ask God for wisdom to unify my people more and see that there is unity justice and fairness for and among my people.
“This title a reward from my people on the basis of honor and not salary” he added.
Responding to the issue of the true federalism raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the OPC coordinator said that the difference between true federalism and restructuring was semantics.
“I totally support either restructuring or true federalism because it would ensure equity and fairness for all Nigerians.
“We will continue to agitate for a more prosperous Nigeria” he added.