What I want Gani Adams to do for Yoruba race – Aregbesola

Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has said he wants the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, to unite the Yoruba race all over the world for “racial global collaboration”.

The governor spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, when he hosted Adams at the Government House yesterday.

Aregbesola noted that by choosing Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was apparently influenced by a divine vision to pick someone whose deeds, actions and steps had distinguished him as a man of heritage.

The governor said he was happy that Adams was selected for his experience as a street protester, a social crusader, a right activist and cultural revivalist.

He further advised Adams not to be perturbed by the common tale that the personage of the Aare Ona Kakanfo always die young.

“You underwent these stages in preparation for this heritage assignment.

“Your new assignment bestows on you the onerous responsibility. So I urge you to ensure the unity and stability of the Yoruba race within the territory of Nigeria, interface with the Yoruba inside Africa continent and network the Yoruba in the Diaspora for global collaboration in the areas of cultural integration, skills development, mental enrichment and social interaction.

“The matter of life and death is within the exclusive domain of Allah, not of attachment to a title. There were many Aare Ona Kakanfo who were given the title at young age and lived long.

“Aare Ogabi became Aare Ona Kakanfo at a young age and lived long.

“As the Generalissimo of the Yoruba army, who is leading us into a new paradigm of inter-ethnic cultural understanding, inter-continental race relationship and fostering better relationships among the Yoruba, I want you to see me as a reliable partner and supporter of all worthy endeavours of yours, which can add value to the title.”

Aregbesola also hailed Prince Segun Akanni, the Chief of Staff to the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate for remaining loyal to Adams since the time the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) was in the trenches.